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LOT 0179
Byzantine Bronze Amulet with Figures
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (22 grams, 48 mm).
Discoid with integral loop, tondo with figural scene of Simeon Stylites standing on his column, two worshippers at the base and two angels above; legend to the rim.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0179
Byzantine Bronze Amulet with Figures
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Lead Pilgrim's Ampulla
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Modelled as a two-handled amphora with decorative bands to the body. 25.3 grams, 54 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Gilt Bronze Bowl with Religious Scenes
Circa 5th-6th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £8,000 - 10,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,444
Of squat profile with flared base and drop handle; running tendril bands to the shoulder and base, gilt-inlaid frieze depicting the seated robed figure of Christ holding a staff between two palm trees in a landscape inhabited by a bear, leaping goat, frog, cockerel, hen, eagle, horse, hounds, sheep, lioness, snake, rabbit, duck, boar cow; trees in the background with birds perching on the branches; central roundel with Chi Rho, alpha and omega; handle with vine tendrils flanked by pellet clusters, saltire to the centre. 1.02 kg, 23 cm wide
From the family collection of Mr E.L. (1915-1991), who collected antiquities from the 1940s, thence by descent. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12059-213551.
The frieze is full of Christian symbolism, mainly concentrated on the image of the good shepherd (Christ) depicted according to the model visible in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna and shown on the opposite side of the central roundel. Jesus is represented in a landscape suffused with peace, full of plants and flowers; he has a serene expression and is depicted beardless and surrounded by six sheep. Its clear allusive meaning is that only through Christ can eternal peace be achieved. Another part probably represents the Tree of Life with an array of animals. The vessel probably had a liturgical use, perhaps for the ritual washing of feet during the Easter celebrations or for the blessing of the faithful. -
Arab-Byzantine Bronze Casket with Crosses and Naskh Inscription
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Rectangular in plan with tapering sides and flared stub feet; separate lid with chamfered sides; sidewalls decorated with low-relief border of knotwork surrounding roundels with geometric and floral ornament, with a cross motif above and below; iron securing strips to the lid and side; underside with knotwork panel. 959 grams, 14.3 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.