Byzantine Garnet Set Gold Pendant

Bifacial lead plaque with figurative decoration: obverse with Saint George, nimbate, on his horse killing a fallen foe with his spear; 'ΓΕΟΡΓ' label above the horse's neck, raised border with pellets and pellet clusters; reverse with relief pattern of a double circle decorated with double arcs forming a cross pellet to the centre. 48.8 grams, 64 mm



Private collection Mr S.A., Switzerland, before 1992, thence by descent.

According to the Christian tradition, Saint George would have lived between the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century: born into a noble Christian family, he became an officer in the Roman army and was then named a prefect by Diocletian. But when the same emperor decided to resume the persecutions, Saint George became a victim despite his important political rank. His role in the development of the faith is so important that he is included among the Great Martyrs of the Eastern Church and his fight against the dragon becomes a symbol par excellence of the fight for Good which defeats Evil. In the Christian symbolism of the Middle Ages, the circle, a perfect geometric shape which has neither beginning nor end, designates the universe whose centre is the source and thus evokes Jesus, the man-light.

Composed of two opposing flowers forming a teardrop-shape, the panels with intricate loop design; facetted garnet bead above and a separately made suspension bar, possibly a later addition. 3.78 grams, 40 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.

Central incuse image of a nimbate figure wearing an armour and cloak, holding a staff, text to the border 'IWANNE [...] (=iohannes= John). 1.23 grams, 13 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.