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LOT 0191
Byzantine Gold and Crystal Seal Pendant
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1 1/8 in. (9.27 grams, 29 mm).
Composed of a tapering octagonal body, intaglio image of a robed and winged figure of Archangel Michael standing left, holding a Christian cross to base, granulated gold frame with suspension loop.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11864-200658.
Cf. Ross, M.C., Catalogue of the Byzantine and Early Mediaeval Antiquities in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Volume 2: Jewelry, Enamels and Art of the Migration Period, Washington, 2005, pl.XCVIII, items 62,179, for similar engravings of an angel on a ring and a pendant; the same image appears on the coins of Anastasios I (491-518), see Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 44, 639 (ring).
FootnotesThe Roman motif of winged Victory bearing a laurel wreath was slowly replaced with the image of Archangel Michael carrying the victory cross when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity.
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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Byzantine Bead Bracelet with Cross
15th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £169
Restrung; composed of annular and biconvex carnelian beads, together with a bronze Christian cross with the Five Wounds of Christ represented as ring-and-dot ornament. 4.28 grams, 18 cm long
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Dove
Circa 5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Composed of a slender hoop and sub-circular bezel engraved with a highly stylised figure of a dove. 2.02 grams, 18.51 mm overall, 14.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Engraved Cross Gemstone
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,111
With baluster detailing to the shoulders, ellipsoid bezel with decorative band to the cell wall, inset garnet cabochon with intaglio design of a cross beneath a wreath and dish below. 3.35 grams, 21.60 mm overall, 19.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11865-206975.
