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LOT 0963
Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross Mount
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3 7/8 in. (56.4 grams, 98 mm).
Finial from a processional or altar cross, with incised guilloche bands to the obverse and central socket for a cabochon, lobes to the angles; pierced lower arm with attachment scars to both faces. [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 543, for type.
FootnotesThese kind of crosses were mainly used for religious purposes. However, in 6th and 7th centuries A.D., they could be fixed at the top of the standards of the Roman Christian Army, as clearly described from the Arab sources speaking about the battle of Yarmouk. For this battle the Arab sources give a detailed description of the Roman standards, with at the top a golden cross, a golden cross tied to a silver chain, a cross with glittering jewels, a golden cross encrusted with jewels. The cross at the top of the standards, also of small dimensions like this one, is visible on miniature statuette of Roman Cavalrymen/Military Saints from Roman Egypt.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0963
Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross Mount
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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Byzantine Belt Mount with Animal
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Tongue-shaped with attachment lug to the reverse and hinge knuckles to the edge; reserved design of a bull amid tendrils; geometric border. 13.8 grams, 40 mm
Acquired on the Europen art market. From the collection of an London antiquarian. -
Byzantine Silver Offering Dish with Chi Rho and Inscription
Circa 11th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £20,000 - 30,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £11,000
With rounded underside and flange rim; tondo with incised symmetrical vinescroll with bunches of grapes enclosing central disc with niello-filled Chi Rho flanked by alpha and omega; legend to the rim in capitals: '+++ ΥΠΕΡ ΑΝΑΠΑΥϹΕΩϹ ΕΥΧΗϹ ΟΝ ΟΙΔΕΝ ΟΘϹ ΤΑ ΟΝΟΜΑΤΑ' (For the eternal rest of him who had knowledge in the name of the Lord). 395 grams, 23.5 cm wide
From a European family collection formed in the 1990s; thence by descent to a UK gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report of Dr. Raffaele D’Amato This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11963-210867.
The decorative apparatus of this plate could be associated with Eastern Roman art of the 11-12th century A.D., although we cannot exclude an earlier dating. -
Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Each arm with raised Y-shaped median panels and two bulb finials; shank below broken. 20.2 grams, 51 mm
Belgium collection, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian.
