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LOT 1080
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (3.78 grams, 22.01 mm overall, 18.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)).
D-section hoop with angled shoulders, hexagonal bezel with a stylised 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.
Cf. for the type Crajovan, B., ‘Inele medievale cu şi fără chaton descoperite pe teritoriul jud. Timiş, România,’ in Patrimonium Banaticum IX, 2019, pp.167–175, pl.3/5.
FootnotesThis category of rings had a hexagonal-rounded chaton raised above the link. Conforming to the iconography of the Orthodox countries under the influence of Byzantium, the possible decoration was related to the military saints.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Silver Ring with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Discoid bezel with incuse cross fourchee, interstitial saltire. 3.83 grams, 24.35 mm overall, 20.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
D-section hoop and a raised circular bezel with two nimbate warrior figures. 5.54 grams, 22.88 mm overall, 19.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
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, or human figures. In this circumstance, the bezel is decorated with stylised images, most probably military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing. -
Byzantine Steatite Icon with Military Saint
10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £8,000 - 10,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,000
Fragment of an icon depicting a facing saint modelled in the half-round within an arch; an ellipsoid low-relief face with hatched collar-length hair, lentoid eyes with pointillé pupils flanking a long nose; wearing a lamellar cuirass (klivanion); stylised sword (spathion) to the shoulder with lobe pommel, piriform blade with hatched median bar and undulations to the flanks (simulating damascening); arch resting on a balustered column with shallow fixing socket above the saint's head; mounted on a custom-made stand. 60 grams total, icon: 72 mm high
Jacques and Henriette Schumann collection, Paris, France. with Christie's, Paris, France, 30 September 2003, no.248. European private collection. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.061301, dated 3 September 2003. 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 a search certificate number no.12690-234660. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Jacques and Henriette Schumann were distinguished Parisian collectors known for their discerning taste and passion for antiquities and decorative arts. Their collection, assembled over several decades, reflected a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and historical significance. Works from their collection have been included in major European auctions and are recognised for their provenance and quality.
