Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Rings

Hollow with three filigree circles to the underside each with scrolled filigree fill, pierced sidewall, three openwork filigree domes to the obverse with granules and a tubular cell to the apex of the lower one. 2.92 grams, 24 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970s-2000s.

The shank with herringbone markings in imitation of braiding, trefoil shoulders, drum-shaped bezel with incised cruciform texts 'P+B' and 'ω+KX'. 9.71 grams, 24.51 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



German art market. Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2003.

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.