Ostrogothic gilt silver buckle

First half of VI century

Terminations of solid cast oval loop riveted to the axel. Cast stylized tongue decorated with a band of gilt recessed pyramids. Each corner of rectangular plate set with cabochon garnets. Front plate done in Kerbschnitt (or Keil) technique, where patterns of scrolling were deeply cast and worked over with a chisel. Leather belt still preserved between front and back plates. L. 4.4″(11.2cm).
See: K. R. Brown. From Attila to Charlemagne. Arts of the Early Medieval Period in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yale University Press, 2000, pg. 111; Bierbrauer V. Die Ostgotischen Grab- und Schatzfunde in Italien // Biblioteca degli “Studi medievali”.- Spotelo, 1975. VII.- table I
Christie?s Antiquities, NY, June 4, 1999 #173.