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LOT 0223
Byzantine Gold and Garnet Earring Pair
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (12.8 grams total, 32 mm).
Each formed as a dove with garnet set wings and eyes (one eye absent), beaded border framing the raised settings; triangular tail with garnet insert; body with incised feather detailing; four loops to the underside with pearl drops (one absent) and a double loop on the back. [2]
ProvenanceArt market before 2000.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12104214176.
Cf. for the same style of earrings, Adams, D.N., Late Antique Migration Period and Early Byzantine Garnet Cloisonné Ornaments, Origins, Styles and Workshop Production, vol.I, text and catalogue, London, 1991, comparative plate 13, earrings from Piazza della Consolazione, Rome.
FootnotesThere are good points of comparison between the earring from the Piazza della Consolazione treasure in Rome and the Cluj (Pietroasa) with our earring to suggest that these should all be dated from the second quarter to the second half of the 5th century A.D. The earring set of Piazza della Consolazione treasure is decorated with radiating pearls on wires, in the fashion of the Cluj medallion and our earring.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
Circa 8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Including discoid, tabular, cuboid and other types. 125 grams total, 11-25 mm
Ex Simmons gallery, London, UK. Ex North London collection, 1990s. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Figure Holding a Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Comprising a round-section hoop with a tablet-bezel engraved with an imperial figure holding a cross in the right hand, a palm branch extending over the head and Greek inscription 'AΦT' (Aghia Photini or Aghia Photia) to the right. 4.85 grams, 20.41 mm overall, 16.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Ex Axia Art, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170706. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12116-214329.
This type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. Aghia Fotini, a saint venerated throughout the Christian world since the 6th century A.D., was a famous Samaritan woman, who spoke with Jesus at Jacob's well. According to her hagiographic legend she and her children were martyred under Nero. -
Byzantine Green-Glazed Sgraffito Bowl
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Broad with basal disc, cream-glazed inner face with green detailing, sgraffito design of tulip flowers and hatched bands. 322 grams, 15.2 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
