Details

LOT 0371

Byzantine Enamelled Gold Pendant Pair

8TH-10TH CENTURY AD

1 1/4 - 1 1/2" (11 grams total, 32-38mm).

A pair of sheet gold discoid pendants, each with two suspension loops, openwork panel to the obverse with polychrome enamelled tree and peacock motifs. [2]

Provenance

From an old European collection; acquired 1980-1990.

Footnotes

A number of symbols were used in Byzantine Christian art to convey the teachings of Christ. The tree symbolised the Tree of Life as mentioned in Genesis 2:9, 'And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.' In the Eastern Orthodox Church the tree of life in Genesis is seen a prefiguration of the Cross, which humanity could not partake of until after the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Early Christians adopted the symbol of the peacock to represent immortality. This came from an ancient legend that the flesh of the peacock did not decay. It is also associated with the resurrection of Christ because it sheds it old feathers every year and grows, newer, brighter ones each year. In addition the multitude of 'eyes' upon its stunningly beautiful fan tail, suggested the all seeing eye of God.

CONDITION