Byzantine Bronze Hanger with Chi Rho and Cross

Comprising: buckle loop with dentilled outer edge, impressed triangular cells; D-section tongue curved over the forward edge of the loop, with rectangular shield to the rear with slot; plate formed as a vesica-shaped rear panel with rosette motif and billetted border, forward edge with cells flanking; knop finial to rear edge; obverse with three pierced lugs for attachment to the belt; ferrous hinge-pin. 56 grams, 80 mm



Private UK collection. Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.

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.

With pierced polyhedral upper and knop above, body formed as two intersecting fusiform bars with recess. 32.8 grams, 66 mm



Belgian collection, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian.