Loading, please wait...
LOT 1060
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saints
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (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)).
D-section hoop and a raised circular bezel with two nimbate warrior figures. [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.58, for the type.
FootnotesThese 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.
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:
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.
-
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Circa 11th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £67
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕI ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God). 13.1 grams, 18 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
The stamp seals that have survived in large numbers from Byzantium are objects a few centimetres high and conical in shape, featuring a sealing surface at the lower end and a pendant at the upper end. They served the same function as signet rings and were used to seal everyday objects, primarily for personal purposes, using wax and other soft materials. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
14th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Wide hoop expanding at the shoulders, octagonal bezel with a stylised figure holding a sword and a shield. 7.11 grams, 23.16 mm overall, 19.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
In 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. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Saint
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
D-section hoop with domed square bezel, incuse bust with mantle draped from the right shoulder, cross to one side, lateral bands of punched pellets. 2.28 grams, 22.27 mm overall, 18.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Ex collection of a late Christian gentleman, 1970s
