Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant

With hoop formed as a band of quatrefoils, applied discoid bezel with facing busts flanking a cross potent, legend 'OMO / NOIA' (harmony). 6.47 grams, 21.52 mm overall, 19.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12350-222584

The marriage ring is one of the typologies on which figural decorations are frequently found. Generally marriage rings are engraved with a representation of the husband and wife, sometimes accompanied by Christ, and usually engraved with wishes for 'harmony, health and the grace of God'. Rings of this type had been used since the late 4th century A.D. and remained extremely popular in Byzantium in the 6th and 7th century.

Comprising: front cover of an enkolpion with robed figure in orans pose, legend 'ΓΕΟΡΓΙΟC' (St. George) above; censer cover with openwork design, expanding-arm cross within an arc with ring-and-dot motifs, poppy-head lugs, suspension loop. 188 grams total, 84-95 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.

Portrayed in active pose with mantle drawn tight around the body, nimbus to the head. 4.17 grams, 23 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.