Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1057
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
11TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (4.66 grams, 21.55 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)).
Slender hoop and a large oval bezel bearing two stylised warrior figures holding spears. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Literature
Cf. Đurović, I., Средњовековни накит из збирки Народног музеја Крагујевац (Medieval jewelry from the collections of the National Museum Kragujevac, in Serbian), Крагујевац, 2012, fig.60, for the type.
Footnotes
In this category of rings, the oval hoop gradually widens into a full shoulder and a massive, flattened bezel. The ellipsoidal bezel is decorated with stylised images, most probably, of military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Lead Decorated Pilgrim's Holy Water Ampulla
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Formed as a miniature amphora with flared mouth, triangular handle to the shoulder, raised hatched bands to the body. 18.2 grams, 40 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
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. -
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.
