Viking Era Bronze Exceptional Scandinavian Ring – Kenaz-Inspired Rune Ornament – Intricate Chevron Engraving – ca. (No reserve price)
04
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03
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29
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Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €1 |
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This Viking-era Scandinavian bronze finger ring, dated to circa the 9th–11th century AD, features angular engraving and chevron ornament inspired by the Kenaz rune.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A piece of the past, made to be worn
Exceptional Viking-Era Scandinavian Bronze -Copper Ring – Kenaz-Inspired Rune Ornament – Intricate Chevron Engraving – ca. 9th–11th Century AD
Object: Bronze Finger Ring / Engraved Runic-Style Ornament
Culture: Viking Age – Scandinavian Tradition
Period: Viking Age / Early Medieval Period
Date: ca. 9th–11th Century AD
Material: Bronze / Copper-Based Alloy
Technique: Metalworking, Incised Linear Engraving and Fine Hatched Decoration
Decoration: Broad Tapered Bezel, Intersecting Angular Lines, Chevron Patterns and Finely Hatched Fields
Iconography: Kenaz / Kaun – Runic-Inspired Geometric Ornamentation
-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request before shipment (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cords, connecting rings, and other display accessories shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the object.
Dimensions
Height: 21.99 mm ±
Outer Diameter: 23.15 mm ±
Inner Diameter: 20.12 mm ±
Weight: 2.80 g ±
Ring Size: EU 63 / US 10½ / UK U / FR 63
Description
An exceptional bronze finger ring associated with Viking-Age Scandinavian jewellery traditions, distinguished by its broad sculptural bezel, intricate angular engraving and beautifully preserved reddish-brown patination.
The gracefully expanding upper section displays a remarkable composition of intersecting chevrons, finely hatched fields and elongated geometric elements enclosed within a pronounced angular border. The carefully organised design creates a dynamic impression of movement, symmetry and traditional northern craftsmanship.
The angular arrangement evokes the visual language of Germanic runic ornamentation, particularly the distinctive geometry associated with Kenaz and its Viking-Age counterpart, Kaun. The related Anglo-Saxon Cen tradition connects the rune with the imagery of a burning torch, light and illumination, offering an evocative symbolic interpretation of the ornament.
A significant archaeological comparison is documented by York Archaeology in an Anglo-Scandinavian copper-alloy finger ring from Coppergate, dated to approximately AD 975. Its engraved hatching demonstrates the use of closely arranged linear decoration in Viking-Age jewellery.
Another relevant comparison appears in TimeLine Auctions, Lot 1425, a Viking-Age silver ring dated to the tenth–twelfth centuries, featuring a lozenge-shaped bezel and finely incised hatched ornamentation.
The ring's harmonious proportions, carefully articulated geometric design and contrasting surface patination create an appealing example of miniature decorative metalwork.
A distinctive collectible combining the sculptural elegance of early medieval jewellery with the expressive angular vocabulary of Scandinavian runic traditions.
Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands
The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.
Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days
Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.
Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.
A piece of the past, made to be worn
Exceptional Viking-Era Scandinavian Bronze -Copper Ring – Kenaz-Inspired Rune Ornament – Intricate Chevron Engraving – ca. 9th–11th Century AD
Object: Bronze Finger Ring / Engraved Runic-Style Ornament
Culture: Viking Age – Scandinavian Tradition
Period: Viking Age / Early Medieval Period
Date: ca. 9th–11th Century AD
Material: Bronze / Copper-Based Alloy
Technique: Metalworking, Incised Linear Engraving and Fine Hatched Decoration
Decoration: Broad Tapered Bezel, Intersecting Angular Lines, Chevron Patterns and Finely Hatched Fields
Iconography: Kenaz / Kaun – Runic-Inspired Geometric Ornamentation
-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request before shipment (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cords, connecting rings, and other display accessories shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the object.
Dimensions
Height: 21.99 mm ±
Outer Diameter: 23.15 mm ±
Inner Diameter: 20.12 mm ±
Weight: 2.80 g ±
Ring Size: EU 63 / US 10½ / UK U / FR 63
Description
An exceptional bronze finger ring associated with Viking-Age Scandinavian jewellery traditions, distinguished by its broad sculptural bezel, intricate angular engraving and beautifully preserved reddish-brown patination.
The gracefully expanding upper section displays a remarkable composition of intersecting chevrons, finely hatched fields and elongated geometric elements enclosed within a pronounced angular border. The carefully organised design creates a dynamic impression of movement, symmetry and traditional northern craftsmanship.
The angular arrangement evokes the visual language of Germanic runic ornamentation, particularly the distinctive geometry associated with Kenaz and its Viking-Age counterpart, Kaun. The related Anglo-Saxon Cen tradition connects the rune with the imagery of a burning torch, light and illumination, offering an evocative symbolic interpretation of the ornament.
A significant archaeological comparison is documented by York Archaeology in an Anglo-Scandinavian copper-alloy finger ring from Coppergate, dated to approximately AD 975. Its engraved hatching demonstrates the use of closely arranged linear decoration in Viking-Age jewellery.
Another relevant comparison appears in TimeLine Auctions, Lot 1425, a Viking-Age silver ring dated to the tenth–twelfth centuries, featuring a lozenge-shaped bezel and finely incised hatched ornamentation.
The ring's harmonious proportions, carefully articulated geometric design and contrasting surface patination create an appealing example of miniature decorative metalwork.
A distinctive collectible combining the sculptural elegance of early medieval jewellery with the expressive angular vocabulary of Scandinavian runic traditions.
Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands
The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.
Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days
Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.
Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.
Details
Culture
Viking Era
Century/timeframe
ca. 9th–11th Century AD
Name of object
Exceptional Scandinavian Ring – Kenaz-Inspired Rune Ornament – Intricate Chevron Engraving – ca.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1996
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
