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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 Terracotta Oil Lamp
7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Carinated with a domed upper face, circular filling hole and spout, remains of handle, raised linear motifs. 65 grams, 90 mm
Acquired 1970s onwards. Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private collection of Benjamin Hyde-Smith, Hertfordshire, UK. -
Byzantine Gold and Crystal Seal Pendant
6th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
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. 9.27 grams, 29 mm
From 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.
The 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. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising six circular commercial weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with letter motifs. 61 grams total, 10-27 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The biggest weight is a one ounce weight, having an engraved monogram of Γ and Α. The flans of circular coin weights were turned on a lathe in the 6th century A.D., giving them a neat appearance. The designs are usually quite simple and often crudely executed, either engraved or slipped.