Byzantine Bronze Seal Matrix with Inscription

Hexagonal body with a short cylindrical neck and a flaring rim, three applied handles extending from the rim to the shoulders, geometric decoration on the panels. 58 grams, 93 mm high



Roman glass from an important London collection, acquired from the early 1980s. From an important London glass collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a typed previous catalogue information page with provenance.

These octagonal or hexagonal jugs or jars were possibly made as tokens for pilgrims visiting the holy sites in Jerusalem or for use in burial rites. In the late 6th and early 7th century A.D., they were mass-produced in moulds for the pilgrim trade in the Holy Land, in the vicinity of the holy city, but they were found all around the Mediterranean, especially in islands like Cyprus, an important place on the sea route that brought pilgrims to Jerusalem. Such vessels were probably filled with oil from holy sites and sold to pilgrims.

Ellipsoid plaque with incuse border to the tondo, profile lion with forelegs extended and tail raised, radiating strokes denoting the mane; casting flaw to shoulder. 3.23 grams, 21.40 mm overall, 18.64 x 14.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

With narrow triangular flange, with incised foliage design on the outer face. 3.80 grams, 27.26 mm overall, 20.13 x 21.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.