Date: 10th- or 11th-Century 

Place of Production: Germany

Description: This ring consists of multiple elements soldered together to create a rich, micro-architectural form, a feature typical of Ottonian goldsmithing. The varied techniques used in its fabrication resulted in areas of granulation, swabbed and twisted wires, and ribbons of bent wire, as well as cast, punched, and chased elements. At the centre is a flowerlike ornament in cloisonné enamel. The ring bears witness to the high degree of sophistication at the court of the Ottonian emperors, who ruled central Europe from 936 until 1024. Overall size is 2.5 x 2.3 x 1.8 cm.

Held at: Metropolitan Museum of New York

Accession Number: 2004.274

Images in Public Domain