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LOT 0957
Byzantine Bronze Stamp Seal with Inscription
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (12.3 grams, 19 mm).
With a short shank and oblate pierced finial, hexafoil base; to the underside a reversed legend 'ANAL[Γ} / ΦOΔ[D]O / ***'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s.
From a gentleman's private collection.
See Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 725-726, for type and discussion; see also Kakish, R., ‘Ancient bread stamps from Jordan’ in Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, vol.14, 2014, no.2, pp.19-31, nos.4A and 9A, for the shape, but in clay.
FootnotesThe seal was probably used for stamping bread in a church. Usually these stamps had two parts: a flat surface with inscriptions or geometric shapes, and a handle. The inscription is an enigma: the upper part can be read [Aθ]ANA[TOC] = Immortal and (if we accept the L like an inversed Γ (gamma) [A]Γ[ΙΟϹ] i.e. Saint = Saint Immortal, one of the three invocation to God (Saint God, Saint Mighty, Saint Immortal). However, the second row of letters is in Greek and Latin (φο-do) if we accept the letter D as a transliteration of the Greek letter Delta.
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Silver 'L' Plate Brooch
Roman, 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
In the form of the letter 'L' with scrolled wire within the angle and punched triangle detailing to the plate; pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse. 4.25 grams, 24 mm
Previously acquired on the London art market in the 1980s. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
Byzantine Bronze Ecclesiastical Finial Support for a Cross
10th-12th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Openwork finial formed as a miniature church comprising a square base with four stub feet, sidewalls each with a keyhole-shaped arch, upper storey cruciform in plan with radiating porticus ending in a tongue-shaped facade and loophole aperture; above, a tubular tower with loophole windows; flanged upper face with slot. 368 grams, 11.2 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s.
This object reproduces a building of three levels: it belongs to a processional pole which supported a Byzantine bronze cross, the lower end of which fitted into the slot visible on the top of the drum. This object, which remains above all a decorative element, recalls by its structure a Byzantine church with its cross-shaped plan: architectural models reproducing religious buildings were very appreciated by Byzantine craftsmen (especially in the capital Constantinople), who used these structures to produce not only the cross holders but also the reliquaries, host boxes, or censers. Originally, this construction was supported by four columns of which only the capitals and a few fragments of the shaft remain. The presentation and demonstration of a cross to the faithful could take place during different celebrations of the Christian liturgical calendar, or even during certain civil ceremonies, or taking place in a princely court. -
Early Byzantine Gold Ring with Pearls and Later Cloisonne Enamelled Figure
Italy, 7th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Flat hoop with beaded wire borders and braided filigree ornament; discoid box bezel with seed pearls on a wire to the outer edge; upper face a (modern) cloisonné enamel panel depicting Mary in orans posture. 6.37 grams, 23.84 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
From a collection formed in Antwerp, Belgium. Acquired in France in the early 2000s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue information page.
