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LOT 1059
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Monogram
13TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.76 grams, 24.25 mm overall, 20.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)).
An expanding hoop with decorated shoulders, an octagonal bezel with a monogram, composed of the Greek letters 'Χ [ΑΙΡΕ] ΔΥωΝ[Υ]C (?)' = Be glad Dyoniys. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 682, for the type.
FootnotesThe plate and hoop of these rings were soldered together. This system probably originated only in the late period of the Eastern Roman Empire, as evidenced by the faceting of the sides and the irregularity in the letters forming the name.
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:
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Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Flat in section with integral loop, recessed design to obverse with roundel and radiating petals. 3 grams, 30 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Empress Mount
5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Formed in the half-round as a youthful female bust, a cross in the middle of the high hair arrangement (propoloma). 192 grams, 97 mm
Ex law professor in Alexandria, prior to 1930. Ex collection of M. Bouvier, Switzerland (1901-1980). Private collection, UK.
The image of the Roman empress during the late Roman Empire was connected to Christianity by the figure of the Empress Helena. Constantine had several cities renamed Helenopolis in honour of his mother, Helena, and she gained the political verification of power with the status nobilissima femina in 318 A.D. and the rank of Augusta in 324 A.D. Alongside her social and political image, Helena also had a significant reputation as a good Christian who was a patron and took care of poor people. Owing to this powerful religious image that was created, all other Christian women during the Eastern Roman Empire were encouraged spiritually by the fact that Helena was the mother of the first Christian emperor, and the image of the Roman empress was connected to the Christian image of the Mother of God, and represented on weights, bronze appliques and, in this case, maybe as an upper mount of a tripod. -
Byzantine Orange Glass Gemstone with Chi Rho Monogram and Peacocks in Laurel Wreath
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Ellipsoid cell with tubular finials to accept connecting links; inset glass cabochon with central Christogram within a wreath flanked by perching peacocks; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 14.15 grams, 37 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13136-248305.
