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LOT 0853
Byzantine Bronze Inscribed Vessel Rim
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (257 grams, 15 cm wide).
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.
ProvenanceEx Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s.
From a North London collection.
Cf. a small bronze tripod stand in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, inv. 8404.
FootnotesThe 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
The frontal section of an enkolpion, with the representation of crucified Jesus among Saint Mary and Saint John; Christ dressed in a long tunic (colobium) decorated with parallel stripes (clavi) and patterned hatches, his head turned to the right; his wounds on the cross are marked by nails; the cross standing upon a small hill, identified by rare inscription 'Ο ΤΟΠΟС КРАΝΙΟΥ' (a place of a skull, Matthew 27:33), indicating Golgota; the titulum with inscription 'Ι(ΗСΟΥ)С X(ΡΙ СΤΟ)C' (Jesus Christ), and the sun (left) with the moon (right); the central inscription corresponds to the words of the Gospel of John 19:26: 'here is your son, (ΙΔΕ Ο Υ {ΙΟ} С {C}ΟΥ ) here is your Mother (ΙΔΟΥ Η ΜΗΤ{Η}Ρ CΟΥ)'. 56.5 grams, 86 mm
Formerly in a 1980s collection. Acquired on the UK art market. Previously the property of an Essex gentleman.
Usually the reliquary crosses or enkolpia, were composed of two separate halves, inside of which a relic of a saint was contained; this could have been a piece of cloth or a bone. This extraordinary piece is very rare due to containing part of the Gospel of John about the Crucifixion. -
Byzantine Gold Hair Ornament with Earrings and Original Chain
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £7,000 - 9,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,889
The chain composed of gussetted sheet-gold links interspersed with filigree-framed medallions embossed with facing busts; the chain attached to the penannular earring hoops by openwork filigree pendants with pearl drops, two further pearl drops to the hoops. 26.35 grams, 77 cm long
Acquired from Fred Leighton, New York, ca.1982. Important North West London collection. 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 search certificate number no.11047-184615.
The characters within the medallions, derived from the imagines clipeatae and possibly representing unbearded dignitaries (eunuchs?) clad in their court cloak, are typical of the 7th century. This suggests the possibility that the chain belonged to an aristocratic woman. -
Byzantine Decorated Leather Case
10th-12th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £156
Rectangular leather case with turned and seamed end (vertical seam absent); reverse with tooled panels of foliage and tendrils in rectangular frames, obverse with large tooled rosette in a tondo on a hatched field with geometric frame. 130 grams, 45 cm
Acquired from the London trade. Ex central London gallery.
