Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0176
Byzantine Bronze Punch with Menorah and Hebrew Inscription
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (18.8 grams, 31 mm).
Columnar stem with conical base extending to a square-section shank.
Provenance
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. Friedenberg, D.M., ‘The Evolution and Uses of Jewish Byzantine Stamp Seals’, in The Journal of the Walters Art Gallery, vol. 52/53, 1994/1995, pp.16ff., nos. 19-21.
Footnotes
Stamping in antiquity and in the Roman Empire was under strict regulations, and it was not limited to food and liquid containers. Bricks and tiles used in construction were impressed with the names of magistrates, workshops, estate owners from whom the material came, and the names of individual makers. Among the myriad Late Roman stamps, a great number were to mark bread or containers holding flour and other foods, as well as a variety of liquids such as wine, oil, fish and fruits preserved in sauces, medical ointments, even water. It is interesting to note as the Jewish symbols here engraved are very stylised: as mentioned by various scholars, the Jewish representations of shofar and lulav on this category of stamps degenerated in quality in Late Antiquity and this is way there are variously dated between the 4th and the 7th century.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
LOT 0176
Byzantine Bronze Punch with Menorah and Hebrew Inscription
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Silver Medallion with Christ and the Virgin Mary
Constantinople, circa 10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Discoid bifacial panel in a braided frame with pairs of lateral lugs; obverse with facing nimbate figure of Christ holding a book, flanked by legend 'IC XC'; reverse with Mary enthroned with flanking legend 'MET / aeov'. 8.5 grams, 35 mm
Ex Antiquarium Ltd., New York, USA, 2005. Ex central London, UK, gallery. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Medallion with the Virgin and Child
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Square in plan with loop above; obverse with Mary Theotokos in a scrolled frame; reverse with cross pommee flanked by saltires and other signs. 17.8 grams, 34 mm
From Phoenix Ancient Art SA, New York, USA, 2004. Ex central London, UK, gallery. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Low-relief Corpus Christi on the obverse, hinge loops above and below. 7.36 grams, 42 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.