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LOT 0183
Byzantine Gilt Bronze Altar Cross with Two Medallions
11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 3/8 in. (153 grams, 13.8 cm).
Hollow-formed cross fragment with low-relief ornament; obverse with facing veiled female bust within a ropework tondo, cruciform design to the lower arm and second tondo with facing bearded bust, foliage to the lateral arms; reverse with geometric saltire bands; knop finials to the arms (two present) and slots for attachment of additional features. [No Reserve]
Provenancewith Rupert Wace Ltd.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Group
10th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Two cruciform pendants comprising: one a reliquary fragment with nimbate figure; one curved with Corpus Christi. 19.5 grams total, 35-47 mm
Acquired since the late 1980s. Ex property of a European gentleman living in South Africa. Property of a Californian, USA, collector. 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): £52
A large bulbous missile with impressed chevron motifs to the shoulder, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 1.51 kg, 16 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. -
Byzantine Stone Relief Section with Draped Figure
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Fragment of a sculpture representing the draped bust of an Apostle, making a blessing gesture with his right hand, and holding a scroll in his left hand, part of the neck visible; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.83 kg total, 25 cm including stand
Mr F.D. collection, acquired on the European art market, 1975 to present. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The image and gesture is visible on many early Christian sarcophagi of the Constantinian era, representing the deceased with his wife. The bas-relief in question could represent an apostle from a scene representing the twelve disciples with Jesus.
