Medieval Gilt Bronze Openwork Panther Mount

Object Description

A delicate Medieval bronze decorative fixture with a miniature panther figurine. The piece may be some kind of buckle or personal adornment. It features art of a symmetrical base plate, which has remnants of stud points on the reverse. A small but finely rendered panther figurine strides across an open channel in the metal with its four legs attached on either side. It has a long, sweeping tail, and head raised to the viewer. Details such as the ears and snout are still faintly visible. Two small bolts remain on the base, now fused in position, at the centre and on the left hand side. Traces of gold gilding can be seen over the surface of the piece, including on the reverse.

Date: Circa 14th – 15th Century AD

Object History

‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Object Condition

Good Condition. The item presented is a truncated fragment of the original piece. The prongs behind the panther have irregular ends. The surface of the bronze has been subject to ageing and has areas of green patination. The majority of the gold gilding has worn away but a little remains in some areas, such as the sides of the panther. There is a small break in the length of the tail but both ends are still secured to the piece.

Object Details