Loading, please wait...
LOT 0974
Byzantine Bronze Oil Lamp Stands
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/4 - 10 in. (1.7 kg total, 16-25.2 cm).
A pair of copper-alloy oil lamp stands with ornamental stems. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection before 2000.
UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
Cf. 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, nos.302-307, for the type.
FootnotesThis kind of stand was destined to support lamp with oval bodies, at the base of which there was a slot that allowed it to be inserted into the lamp stand. The latter was composed of a turned stem and a single, double or even triple curvilinear base, which had the shape of an inverted chalice and carried one, two or three supports which ended with horse hoof ornaments, and feet in the shape of lion's paws.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Byzantine or Merovingian Gold Ring with Emerald and Pearls
7th-9th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
With a heavy hollow-formed hoop, three pellets to each shoulder; raised square bezel set with emerald framed with pelletted border, four applied loops to the outer edge holding decorative gold wire with seed pearls. 6.70 grams, 27.95 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)
Ex New York, USA, private collection in the early 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12105-214336. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Figure Holding a Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Comprising a round-section hoop with a tablet-bezel engraved with an imperial figure holding a cross in the right hand, a palm branch extending over the head and Greek inscription 'AΦT' (Aghia Photini or Aghia Photia) to the right. 4.85 grams, 20.41 mm overall, 16.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Ex Axia Art, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170706. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12116-214329.
This type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. Aghia Fotini, a saint venerated throughout the Christian world since the 6th century A.D., was a famous Samaritan woman, who spoke with Jesus at Jacob's well. According to her hagiographic legend she and her children were martyred under Nero. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Red Gemstone
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
With slender hoop and ellipsoid bezel flanked at each shoulder by two granules, beaded wire collar, inset intaglio olive tree flanked by bullrushes. 3.79 grams, 17.74 mm overall, 14.14 mm internal diameter
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.