Byzantine Bronze St. George Amulet

Discoid bezel with inset gilt panel, monogram comprising the letters mu, alpha, omega, tau and possibly others. 4.93 grams, 26.33 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s.

The complex letter monograms seen on these rings are sometimes referred to as 'merchant's marks' and would normally be a personal mark giving a name or phrase of significance to the owner.

The hollow-formed, tongue-shaped body adorned with a filigree border, repoussé figure with pellets on the torso and serpents framing the head. 7.40 grams, 39 mm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The beautiful horsemen burials found in the Avar necropolis of central Europe date to the last third of the 7th century A.D. and the early 8th century A.D. show wealth and pomp. This type of belt elements, although present in the Avar graves, were most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts or spoils of war. They could be simple fastenings for belts, or part of multiple belts, to which sabres and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 6th -7th centuries A.D.

Broad stone disc with band of carved roundels to the border, dished central panel; the border comprising seventeen socket roundels with rosette and tendril ornament between, each roundel with reserved figural or emblematic ornament: an equal-arm cross with ivy leaves in the spandrels; to either side of this, a reserved regardant peacock; next to these, in pairs a calf's forequarters on each side; next, a goat, then a bull, then a regardant bird, a ram, a lamb and a peacock, remains of original pigment; reinforced with a steel backing and claws; accompanied by professionally made 'lift-on' wall brackets for display. 87 kg, 102 cm including wall bracket



Acquired in London from a UK collector in the early 2000s. Previously with an Austrian collector in London. Formerly in a North American collection. From a London gentleman, 2000s. 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 a search certificate number no.12400-226356

The beasts have symbolic importance, such as the peacock for resurrection, the lamb as the 'lamb of god', and so on.