Viking Era Trailed glass bead, large size
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A beautiful early Medieval (Byzantine / Viking Age) trailed glass bead, large size. The globular formed bead is decorated with a striking feathered or chevron pattern, created from applied trails of white on a brown glass base. The decoration is carefully combed to form symmetrical, flowing motifs that wrap around the body of the bead, creating a lively and visually complex surface.
The bead is perforated longitudinally for suspension or stringing.
-> The Vikings were skilled traders, and glass beads were among their most valuable possessions. Many were imported from the Middle East and Byzantine Empire, while others were crafted locally using recycled Roman glass. Viking beads adorned necklaces, bracelets, and clothing, signifying wealth and power.
Diameter: ± 20,4 mm
Height: ± 18,4 mm
Condition: good condition, the colours remain well defined, with the contrasting trails retaining strong visual impact. The surface shows areas of weathering, pitting and minor losses, all consistent with age and use. Flaw in the glassmaking process is visible (see last image). The perforation remains open and functional.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Beads of this type were widely traded and worn as personal adornment, valued for their colour, craftsmanship and symbolic appeal. A highly attractive and characterful example of ancient glasswork, offering a vivid glimpse into early decorative traditions and long-distance exchange networks.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A beautiful early Medieval (Byzantine / Viking Age) trailed glass bead, large size. The globular formed bead is decorated with a striking feathered or chevron pattern, created from applied trails of white on a brown glass base. The decoration is carefully combed to form symmetrical, flowing motifs that wrap around the body of the bead, creating a lively and visually complex surface.
The bead is perforated longitudinally for suspension or stringing.
-> The Vikings were skilled traders, and glass beads were among their most valuable possessions. Many were imported from the Middle East and Byzantine Empire, while others were crafted locally using recycled Roman glass. Viking beads adorned necklaces, bracelets, and clothing, signifying wealth and power.
Diameter: ± 20,4 mm
Height: ± 18,4 mm
Condition: good condition, the colours remain well defined, with the contrasting trails retaining strong visual impact. The surface shows areas of weathering, pitting and minor losses, all consistent with age and use. Flaw in the glassmaking process is visible (see last image). The perforation remains open and functional.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Beads of this type were widely traded and worn as personal adornment, valued for their colour, craftsmanship and symbolic appeal. A highly attractive and characterful example of ancient glasswork, offering a vivid glimpse into early decorative traditions and long-distance exchange networks.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Viking Era
Century/timeframe
8th-10th century AD
Name of object
Trailed glass bead, large size
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2024
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
2024
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
