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LOT 0973
Byzantine Bronze Pendant with Angel and Inscription
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (7.9 grams, 39 mm).
Claw-shaped with cross and angel motif to the obverse; an inscription reading '+O KAT...Y' to the reverse.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s.
From a gentleman's private collection.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 585, for identical object.
FootnotesWhile one side is engraved with an angel with a cross-staff, the other side is engraved with the beginning of Psalm 91 (90): + Ο ΚΑΤΟΙΚΟΝ ΕΝ ΒΟΗΘΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΥΨΙϹΤΟΙ…(He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High…).
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0973
Byzantine Bronze Pendant with Angel and Inscription
Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
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Byzantine 'Psalm 91 Related' Gnostic Bronze Talisman Pendant
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Discoid in form with integral loop, obverse with low-relief images of mounted Saint Sisinnios killing the demon Gyllou (Lilith), Agnus Dei, a stork, a lion, the holy snake Chnoubis and other symbols with Greek text between; reverse with a standing nimbate angel within a panel of Greek text from Psalm 91. 17.3 grams, 73 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The text surrounding the angel recites the verses of Psalm 90 (Heb.91) in the ‘Great Reward Prayer’ (Μεγάλο Απόδειπνο): …Ο κατοικών εν βοηθεία τού Υψίστου, εν σκέπη τού Θεού τού ουρανού αυλισθήσεται. Ερεί τώ Κυρίω, Αντιλήπτωρ μου εί, καί καταφυγή μου… = …He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress…' -
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Ring
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With ellipsoid bezel, incised Greek inscription with some of the letter inversed, reading 'ΧζΒΟ ΗϽΙΤΡ βOΥΛΟ'. 1.81 grams, 19.87 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The meaning of the inscription is not clear, although it may be prophylactic, with the letter Chi (Χ) linked with the rho (P) i.e. XP for ‘Christ’ and the other letters referring to the usual expression βΟYTICΗ (protect) βOΥΛIΟ (Doulo? ), therefore intended to be read ‘Christ protect your servant’. The ring was probably engraved by a foreigner with a very limited understanding of Greek. -
Byzantine Silver Ring Bezel with Inscription and Military Saint
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Central incuse image of a nimbate figure wearing an armour and cloak, holding a staff, text to the border 'IWANNE [...] (=iohannes= John). 1.23 grams, 13 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
