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.

With a D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, hexagonal bezel with intaglio image of an eagle with wings spread, pellets to the field. 6.79 grams, 23.08 mm overall, 19.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Length of chain with pendant discs, each a plain roundel with small cruciform void to the lower edge. 17.2 grams, 33 cm long



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.