Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Plate

Piriform in profile with two thick lug handles to the shoulder, obverse with low-relief facing figure holding a large cross and orb, reverse with facing figure with hand held up in the orans posture; with a display stand. 47.2 grams, 77 mm (71.4 grams total, 91 mm including stand)



Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s. Acquired from the above, 2001. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12110-218216. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Ampullae like this one were filled with water from holy places, like the lake near the Sanctuary of Saint Menas, famous for its healing properties. In Egypt in the 6th-7th century, and throughout the eastern part of the Roman Empire, these ampullae were an integral part of the equipment of pilgrims visiting holy places and who, like today, carried with them a portion of holy water considered miraculous against ailments of the body and soul.

With broad piriform body and nozzle, luf handle to rear, shoulder with band of medallions, discus with reserved chi-rho christogram. 174 grams, 13.6 cm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With a low-relief figure in orans pose, a fish flanking each hand; hinge-knuckles to both ends. 7.34 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.