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LOT 1108
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (5.20 grams, 19.41 mm overall, 16.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I 1/2, USA 4 1/2, Europe 8.07, Japan 7)).
Comprising an expanding hoop and a rectangular bezel with two nimbate figures holding weapons; hoop split. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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.54, for the type.
FootnotesThis Western Balkan category of rings gradually widens towards the rectangular bezel, which is slightly raised above the ring and flattened. The bezel is decorated with stylised images, often military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing.
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Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Expanding-arm type with a low-relief Maltese cross at the centre. 4.99 grams, 39 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring with Busts
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £10,400
D-section hoop with carination, flat chamfered shoulders each with an engraved cross moline within a wreath; trumpet-shaped bezel with two facing busts and processional cross between, the bodies with inset carnelian studs; legend 'OMONOIA' (harmony) below. 13.76 grams, 25.37 mm overall, 18.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
From the collection of a late English gentleman, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13047-248619.
The marriage ring is one of the typologies in which figural decorations are frequently found. Generally speaking, marriage rings are engraved with a representation of a husband and wife, sometimes accompanied by Christ, and usually engraved with wishes for 'harmony, health and the grace of God'. Rings of this type had been used since the late 4th century A.D. and remained extremely popular in Byzantium in the 6th and 7th centuries. -
Byzantine Silver-Gilt Inscribed Pectoral Cross Pendant
Circa 12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Cross pommee type with moulded detailing; obverse: Corpus Christi reserved on gilt field; reverse: legend with pointillé detailing 'KEBEHPωφPαΤω'. 11.2 grams, 40 mm
From a London, UK, private collection since the 1990s.