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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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Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
Comprising a round-section hoop with tablet-bezel depicting a military saint on horseback (probably Saint George) advancing right, the nimbate saint holding a large cross in his right hand. 4.00 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
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 170705. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12117-214328.
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. The presence of Saint George on this ring could refer to an owner of high military rank. -
Byzantine Glazed Sgraffito-Ware Shipwreck Bowl
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
With glazed upper face and basal ring, incised geometric motif of a cross crosslet with interstitial radiating spurs, with signs of sea encrustations. 562 grams, 22 cm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. -
Byzantine Gold Enamel Mount of a Standing Saint and Inscription
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Sheet gold disc with applied filigree cells; facing nimbate saint with flanking roundels bearing 'MP / IC' (Mary and Jesus). 1.01 grams, 18 mm
Ex Elie Borowski, 1988.
