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LOT 0848
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate
10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 in. (56.5 grams, 86 mm).
The frontal section of an enkolpion, with the representation of crucified Jesus among Saint Mary and Saint John; Christ dressed in a long tunic (colobium) decorated with parallel stripes (clavi) and patterned hatches, his head turned to the right; his wounds on the cross are marked by nails; the cross standing upon a small hill, identified by rare inscription 'Ο ΤΟΠΟС КРАΝΙΟΥ' (a place of a skull, Matthew 27:33), indicating Golgota; the titulum with inscription 'Ι(ΗСΟΥ)С X(ΡΙ СΤΟ)C' (Jesus Christ), and the sun (left) with the moon (right); the central inscription corresponds to the words of the Gospel of John 19:26: 'here is your son, (ΙΔΕ Ο Υ {ΙΟ} С {C}ΟΥ ) here is your Mother (ΙΔΟΥ Η ΜΗΤ{Η}Ρ CΟΥ)'.
ProvenanceFormerly in a 1980s collection.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Previously the property of an Essex gentleman.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 258, for type.
FootnotesUsually the reliquary crosses or enkolpia, were composed of two separate halves, inside of which a relic of a saint was contained; this could have been a piece of cloth or a bone. This extraordinary piece is very rare due to containing part of the Gospel of John about the Crucifixion.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant and Angel Finial Group
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising: a cruciform pendant with notching to each arm and integral suspension loop; a finial crowned with an angel or seraphim. 21.83 grams total, 31-57 mm
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Sapphire
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Flat-section hoop displaying geometric pierced work between raised bands, fluted hemispherical bezel adorned with granules and set with possibly a later polished cabochon sapphire. 8.66 grams, 33.78 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 13)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.201084. -
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.
