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LOT 0875
Byzantine Bronze Horse Harness Boss Pendant
15TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (28.6 grams, 75 mm).
Large domed centre with low-relief sun wheel design, pellets to the rim and suspension loop above. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Papanikola-Bakirtzi, D. (ed.), Everyday life in Byzantium. Byzantine Hours. Works and days in Byzantium, Exhibition catalogue, Thessaloniki, White Tower October 2001-January 2002, Athens, 2002, no.488, for similar.
FootnotesIn the late period of Byzantium, round-shaped buckles and horse harness mounts were often decorated with beaded edges and with floral embossed ornaments, under the influence of the Ottoman Turks. They have the shape of a small shield and impressed decoration of a rose. If belt appliques, they have an extra boss for attachment, instead of the loop usually attached to the horse harness pendants.
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Byzantine Bronze Inscribed Vessel Rim
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Sub-circular in form, displaying an inscription in raised Greek lettering to the upper and side faces; pierced for attachment; the main inscription on the border should be read 'Μ ΔΗΜ ΞΕΙΖΟΓ ΒΛΙΑ TΟΥ ΛΙΟΥΚΟΥ ΑΔΡΑΤΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΥΠΑΤΙΚΟΥ' = M(ichail) Dem(etrios) Exizoglos to the consularis Ioulios Quadratos. 257 grams, 15 cm wide
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The vessel was probably part of a gift given by a certain Michail Demetrios to an officer of (ΥΠΑΤΙΚΟΥ) i.e. Consularis Rank. The shape recalls that of small tripods stands. -
Byzantine Geometric Floor Mosaic
Circa 6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Comprising a triple geometric rhomboidal figure, where three rhombuses are drawn one inside the other and distinguished by different shades of yellow, white and light red, the latter figure marked in the centre by a white space; the three figures are vertically arranged in a perfect geometric axis on a light background. 36.3 kg, 114.5 cm including frame
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11823-207411.
The tendency to use abstract and geometric motifs characterises the mosaic art of the Levant under the domination of Byzantium. Close ties can be identified between these rhomboidal figures and those of some of the famous Lebanese mosaics of Beit el Dine, or the mosaics of Tiberias and Hammat, which represent the last expression of Roman art in that area before the Islamic conquest. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising six circular commercial weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with letter motifs. 61 grams total, 10-27 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The biggest weight is a one ounce weight, having an engraved monogram of Γ and Α. The flans of circular coin weights were turned on a lathe in the 6th century A.D., giving them a neat appearance. The designs are usually quite simple and often crudely executed, either engraved or slipped.
