Byzantine Bloodstone Stamp Seal with Silver Mount

CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (5.98 grams, 27 mm).

Pyramidal in form with openwork silver frame and loop above; frame with incised tremello detailing; underside with incuse Annunciation scene, robed Mary standing beside profile winged archangel Gabriel.

Provenance

Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13424-259842.

Literature

Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 706, for Annunciation scene, 712 for type.

Footnotes

The motifs on the stamp seals are predominantly religious in nature and include images of Christ and the saints, which could suggest that they were used for clerical purposes—perhaps in monasteries. The Annunciation is the most common festival scene found on rock-crystal seals.

CONDITION

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The Kal Noselson Byzantine Collection (Lots 197-221 & 1396-1447)

LOT 0219