Byzantine Bronze Segmented Strap

Comprising five oil lamps including slipper and discoid types with shaped ledge handles, each decorated with raised geometric motifs composed largely of pellets and plain lines. 337 grams total, 8.9-10.1 cm



Ex Y.M. collection, Tiberias, Israel. Private Swiss collection.

Some authors suggest that these 'candlestick' lamps were produced in or around Jerusalem: this has been confirmed by the discovery of a lamp workshop at Zuba, in which large candlestick lamps with a radiating pattern and their moulds were found. Based on evidence from the City of David and the Jewish Quarter, these lamps begin to appear in the mid-6th century and continue throughout the 7th century A.D.

With rounded underside and flange rim; tondo with incised symmetrical vinescroll with bunches of grapes enclosing central disc with niello-filled Chi Rho flanked by alpha and omega; legend to the rim in capitals: '+++ ΥΠΕΡ ΑΝΑΠΑΥϹΕΩϹ ΕΥΧΗϹ ΟΝ ΟΙΔΕΝ ΟΘϹ ΤΑ ΟΝΟΜΑΤΑ' (For the eternal rest of him who had knowledge in the name of the Lord). 395 grams, 23.5 cm wide



From a European family collection formed in the 1990s; thence by descent to a UK gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report of Dr. Raffaele D’Amato This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11963-210867.

The decorative apparatus of this plate could be associated with Eastern Roman art of the 11-12th century A.D., although we cannot exclude an earlier dating.

With a sub-circular filling hole enclosed within a vegetal border, striated handle to the rear and cross motif to base. 59 grams, 91 mm



Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.