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22.10.2021

Disc brooch

This brooch, crafted in the Trewhiddle style during the Late Anglo-Saxon period around the 9th century, boasts a slightly convex disc-shaped design, meticulously fashioned from sterling silver leaf. It features intricate inlays of both gold and niello, resulting in an ornate appearance. The zoomorphic decorations are deeply carved and perforated to achieve an openwork effect.

Within the beaded rim, in the region alternating between disc and diamond-shaped patterns, lies the central decorative field. This field showcases a hollow cross-shaped motif with a central boss and tips resembling animal heads. These animal heads are connected by a beaded circle and adorned with blue glass eyes. Surrounding them is a four-leaf design, with each of its lobes terminating in similar animal heads. Additionally, there are auxiliary fields, each housing a Truhiddle puppy-like creature. Four more bosses are positioned around the perimeter, situated behind the heads of the four-leafed animals.

The decoration is further enhanced with numerous gold inlays that have been skillfully hammered into the design. Dyeing and beading techniques are also extensively employed. On one edge of the brooch, perpendicular to the pin clasp, there is a loop, likely for hanging or storage, although only remnants of it remain today. The reverse side of the brooch is relatively plain in comparison to the elaborate front design.

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