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LOT 0966
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant with Overlapping Bars
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (32.8 grams, 66 mm).
With pierced polyhedral upper and knop above, body formed as two intersecting fusiform bars with recess. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceBelgium collection, 1980s.
From the collection of an London antiquarian.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 519, for type.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
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Byzantine Bronze Openwork Key
Circa 8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
Formed with a hollow bow open to the sides and with lateral struts, each plate pierced with seven equal-arm crosses; pierced lug above for suspension; barrel-type shank with rectangular bit pierced with two similar crosses. 59 grams, 87 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The repeated use of the cross symbol may indicate an ecclesiastical use. -
Byzantine Bronze Plaque with Bird Inlay
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
Sub-rectangular in form with raised rectangular panel to centre, cells forming X-motif inlaid with red glass(?) against a blue field, central nacre(?) roundel engraved with a perched bird with polychrome enamelled detailing; trace remains of gilding to upper and side edges; piercing to each corner. 20.6 grams, 38 mm
Acquired in London, early 1980s. Purchased in Europe before 1992. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11811-206495.
The small square plaque was possibly part of the decoration of an Evangeliary, such as the enamels covering the binding of Henry II's Perikopenbuch, or the Siena Evangeliary (11th-13th century). Byzantium brought the enamel and cloisonné technique to its most perfect, refined and skilful expression. Between the 10th and 11th centuries it spreads its forms in the East and West and after some infiltration in the Romanesque-Lombard sphere, precious Eastern Roman cloisonnes were found in Russian art, reaching their apex in the Roman Empire during the 10th-12th centuries, in the decoration of icons and other artworks. -
Large Byzantine Sgraffito Terracotta Bowl with Bird
Circa 8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
With low basal ring and inverted rim; to the inner surface's centre a possibly later incised image of a standing bird amid three radiating curved lines. 1.2 kg, 27 cm wide
Ex Atticart Ltd, London, SW5, UK. Acquired from Proto Cultures Art, Manchester, UK, circa 2011. From the private collection of Mr A Hills, Kent, UK.
