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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 Terracotta Oil Lamp
7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Carinated with a domed upper face, circular filling hole and spout, remains of handle, raised linear motifs. 65 grams, 90 mm
Acquired 1970s onwards. Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private collection of Benjamin Hyde-Smith, Hertfordshire, UK. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising six circular commercial weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with letter motifs. 61 grams total, 10-27 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The biggest weight is a one ounce weight, having an engraved monogram of Γ and Α. The flans of circular coin weights were turned on a lathe in the 6th century A.D., giving them a neat appearance. The designs are usually quite simple and often crudely executed, either engraved or slipped. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Bird
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
With stepped shoulders, D-shaped plaque, incised peacock design. 3.39 grams, 23.50 mm overall, 20.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Private collection formed in the 1970s. Ex property of an Essex, UK, businessman. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection.
