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LOT 1084
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.09 grams, 24.54 mm overall, 19.19mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)).
D-section hoop with a rectangular bezel bearing an image of a warrior holding a long spear and a shield. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
See Teicu, D., Arta Minoră Medievală din Banat (Minor Medieval Art in Banat),Timisoara, 2009, pls.17,2 and 20,6, for type and iconography.
FootnotesThe bronze ring is compactly worked from a single bar. The ring link, hemispherical in section, broadens at the top, where the ring head was hammered. It has a hexagonal shape. The decoration inscribed in the hexagon shows a military saint in the upper field, surrounded by lines running parallel to the hexagon, which form a further decorative element. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,600 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge. 7.9 grams, 30 mm
From an old New Zealand private collection. Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12327-223721.
The motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal. -
Byzantine Silver Archer's Thumb Ring
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
With narrow triangular flange, low-relief geometric designs, three hexagonal plaques. 17.11 grams, 39.50 mm overall, 22.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)
From a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Byzantine Bronze Fitting with Christ and Saint
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Discoid in plan with suspension lugs to the raised rim; obverse with nimbate figure of Christ flanked by 'ICXC' legend; reverse nimbate figure in orans posture. 5.33 grams, 33 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
