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LOT 1076
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.11 grams, 23.16 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Wide hoop expanding at the shoulders, octagonal bezel with a stylised figure holding a sword and a shield. [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.
FootnotesIn these rings, the octagonal circular bezel bears a stylised warrior. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, invoking protection and blessing.
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 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Ovoid in profile with linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 805 grams, 13 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
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Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Plate
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
The enkolpion with hinged loop, nimbate figure in orans pose with a smaller robed figure before, inscription above, two nimbate saints to the arms. 49.5 grams, 10.6 cm
Acquired on the German art market, 2003. Private collection, Europe. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Slender hoop with discoid bezel showing a stylised warrior holding a long spear. 3.78 grams, 21.23 mm overall, 17.16 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
These banded rings, made of bronze sheet with a flattened ellipsoidal head, could be decorated with geometric or animal ornaments executed by shallow carving. In this circumstance, the bezel is decorated with a stylised image, most probably of Archangel Michael, who was asked for protection and blessing.
