Byzantine Bronze Signet Ring with Niello Cross

With sloping walls and a thin everted rim, the interior of the vessel engraved with a scene comprising four nimbate Evangelists around a central figure of beardless Christ, each holding a gospel in the right hand, the left hand raised to make the sign of blessing; the four Evangelists each depicted beneath an arch with a Corinthian column flanking, the body of the column decorated with fish-scale motifs. 418 grams, 29.2 cm

Fine condition.

Private German collection since the 1980s. Acquired on the German art market in 2001. Property of a gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by 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.10940-181731.

This vessel belongs to a well-known type of rich liturgical objects, likely produced in the workshops of the Imperial capital, Constantinople, although the style used to present Christ and the Evangelists in this artwork points to an important provincial craftsman, certainly influenced by Islamic and Persian iconography. Patens and chalices were the essential containers for the bread and wine of the Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) in Byzantium.

With an expanding D-section hoop, oval bezel with a stylised stocky bird. 5.52 grams, 21.45 mm overall, 16.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

Comprising: one with long arms, loop terminal with two further loops to the sides; another with long arms and loop terminal, the side loop with another pair of smaller tweezers. 48 grams total, 14.5-15 cm



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