Loading, please wait...
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.
ProvenanceFrom 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.
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.
FootnotesStamping 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.
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.
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)
-
Byzantine Iron Ring with Silver-Gilt Bezel with Monogram of Consular Rank
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Discoid bezel with inset gilt panel, monogram comprising the letters ΥΠΑΤΟΥ (of the Hypatos), meaning 'Man with Consular Rank'. 4.93 grams, 26.33 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The complex letter monograms seen on these rings are sometimes referred to as 'merchant's marks' and would normally be a personal mark giving a name or phrase of significance to the owner. In this case it seems belonging to a Magistrate with consular rank, the Hypatos. -
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 Processional Cross Fragment with Inlaid Silver Bust
10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Irregular fragment with attachment holes along both lateral edges; inlaid silver nimbate bust with processional cross to the left shoulder, inside an arched border; inlaid legend above, possibly Coptic script; perhaps used as a trade-weight. 121 grams, 64 mm
Ex Ariadne Galleries, New York, USA, 2009. Ex central London gallery. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
