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LOT 0812
Byzantine Age Gold Filigree Pendant
12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.79 grams, 28 mm).
Composed of a hollow tongue-shaped body with four suspension loops to the top, bifacial ornament in the form of twisted filigree, applied bulbs and pellets. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired UK market.
Ian Roper collection.
Cf. Adams, N., Intelligible Beauty: Recent Research on Byzantine Jewellery, London, 2010, pp.203-211, for comparable examples and discussion.
FootnotesLikely a temple pendant, believed to have been hung near the temple or cheek, suspended from the wearer's headdress. The hollow interior likely concealed a piece of perfumed cloth.
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AUCTIONS:
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Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. Such were the γανωτα, vessels (sometimes also of bronze) used for Greek fire. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Mould-Blown Aubergine Glass Jar
5th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
Or flask with bulbous body featuring a 'net' design and trumpet-style neck and rim; shallow kick-up to base; iridescent surfaces. 58 grams, 69 mm high
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Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. -
Byzantine Gold Filigree Amulet Holder
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Opening Bid: £75
Of cylindrical form adorned with gold bulbs to both openings, each adorned with pyramid granules, the body formed with three bands of filigree ropework framing two tiers of plain filigree 'waves'. 0.22 grams, 13 mm
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