Byzantine Bronze Inscribed Ring

Broad stone disc with band of carved roundels to the border, dished central panel; the border comprising seventeen socket roundels with rosette and tendril ornament between, each roundel with reserved figural or emblematic ornament: an equal-arm cross with ivy leaves in the spandrels; to either side of this, a reserved regardant peacock; next to these, in pairs a calf's forequarters on each side; next, a goat, then a bull, then a regardant bird, a ram, a lamb and a peacock, remains of original pigment; reinforced with a steel backing and claws; accompanied by professionally made 'lift-on' wall brackets for display. 87 kg, 102 cm including wall bracket



Acquired in London from a UK collector in the early 2000s. Previously with an Austrian collector in London. Formerly in a North American collection. From a London gentleman, 2000s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12400-226356

The beasts have symbolic importance, such as the peacock for resurrection, the lamb as the 'lamb of god', and so on.

With carinated profile to the bowl and flared foot, carinated rim above segmented band to inner face, rosette and central tondo with sgraffito perching bird in profile. 410 grams, 17 cm wide



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.

Oval-shaped with intaglio motif of a standing robed figure facing left, inscription to the right. 0.70 grams, 14 mm



From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.