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LOT 0188
Byzantine Bronze Plaque with Bird Inlay
CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (20.6 grams, 38 mm).
Sub-rectangular in form with raised rectangular panel to centre, cells forming X-motif inlaid with red glass(?) against a blue field, central nacre(?) roundel engraved with a perched bird with polychrome enamelled detailing; trace remains of gilding to upper and side edges; piercing to each corner.
ProvenanceAcquired in London, early 1980s.
Purchased in Europe before 1992.
Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11811-206495.
Cf. Romisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM), Das Reich der Salier, 1024-1125, Sigmaringen, 1992, p.160-161, fig.10, Vitrine 4, for similar enamel but with human head.
FootnotesThe small square plaque was possibly part of the decoration of an Evangeliary, such as the enamels covering the binding of Henry II's Perikopenbuch, or the Siena Evangeliary (11th-13th century). Byzantium brought the enamel and cloisonné technique to its most perfect, refined and skilful expression. Between the 10th and 11th centuries it spreads its forms in the East and West and after some infiltration in the Romanesque-Lombard sphere, precious Eastern Roman cloisonnes were found in Russian art, reaching their apex in the Roman Empire during the 10th-12th centuries, in the decoration of icons and other artworks.
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:
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LOT 0188
Byzantine Bronze Plaque with Bird Inlay
Estimate £4,000 - 6,000€4,640 - 6,960 (for guidance only)$5,400 - 8,100 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Empress Mount
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
Formed in the half-round as a youthful female bust, a cross in the middle of the high hair arrangement (propoloma). 193 grams, 97 mm
Ex Law Professor in Alexandria, prior to 1930. Ex collection M. Bouvier, Switzerland (1901-1980).
The image of the Roman Empress during the late Roman Empire, was connected to Christianity by the figure of the Empress Helena. Constantine had several cities renamed Helenopolis in honour of his mother, Helena, and she gained the political verification of power with the status nobilissima femina in 318 and the rank of Augusta in 324. Alongside her social and political image, Helena also had a significant reputation as a good Christian who was a patron and took care of poor people. Owing to this powerful religious image that was created, all other Christian women during the Eastern Roman Empire were encouraged spiritually by the fact that Helena was the mother of the first Christian emperor, and the image of the Roman empress was connected to the Christian image of the Mother of God, and represented on weights, bronze appliques and, in this case, maybe as an upper mount of a tripod. -
Byzantine Gold Filigree Pendant
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Capsule-shaped with openwork filigree ornament to the equator, a single granule to each terminal and a coiled wire suspension loop to apex. 0.82 grams, 15 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine Bronze Horse Harness Boss Pendant
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Large domed centre with low-relief sun wheel design, pellets to the rim and suspension loop above. 28.6 grams, 75 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
In 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.
