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LOT 0172
Byzantine Engraved Stone Pendant Bead
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.45 grams, 27 mm).
Piriform in profile and plano-convex in section with incised motif to each face: above - cross fourchee within a balustered arch; below - facing nimbate bust of Christ with book in one hand and fingers in the gesture of blessing, 'IC XC' legend flanking; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceAcquired in London before 2000.
From the collection of a Mayfair, London, UK, gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12805-240849.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 217, for the iconography of the Christ Pantokrator.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0172
Byzantine Engraved Stone Pendant Bead
Estimate £5,000 - 7,000€5,800 - 8,120 (for guidance only)$6,750 - 9,450 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscription
12th-13th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £46
With broad discoid bezel, lateral spurs; incuse Greek legend: 'AΓΗ ЄΝ ΘЄΟ ΔΗΜ(sic)' (Holy in God, Demetrios?). 11.46 grams, 24.86 mm overall, 17.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform in profile with domed mouth and narrow point, the body with raised lugs and bosses on a stamped background; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 780 grams, 13.8 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Eastern Byzantine Gold Ring with Dove
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £702
Narrow tapering hoop with discoid bezel, engraved scroll to each shoulder, reserved dove image to the bezel; ancient repair. 1.28 grams, 18.38 mm overall, 17.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
