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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 Gilt Bronze Bowl with Religious Scenes
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £10,000 - 14,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5,000
Of squat profile with flared base and drop handle; running tendril bands to the shoulder and base, gilt-inlaid frieze depicting the seated robed figure of Christ holding a staff between two palm trees in a landscape inhabited by a bear, leaping goat, frog, cockerel, hen, eagle, horse, hounds, sheep, lioness, snake, rabbit, duck, boar cow; trees in the background with birds perching on the branches; central roundel with Chi-Rho, alpha and omega; handle with vine tendrils flanked by pellet clusters, saltire to the centre. 1.02 kg, 23 cm wide
From the family collection of Mr E.L. (1915-1991), who collected antiquities from the 1940s, thence by descent. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12059-213551.
The frieze is full of Christian symbolism, mainly concentrated on the image of the good shepherd (Christ) depicted according to the model visible in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna and shown on the opposite side of the central roundel. Jesus is represented in a landscape suffused with peace, full of plants and flowers; he has a serene expression and is depicted beardless and surrounded by six sheep. Its clear allusive meaning is that only through Christ can eternal peace be achieved. Another part probably represents the Tree of Life with an array of animals. The vessel probably had a liturgical use, perhaps for the ritual washing of feet during the Easter celebrations or for the blessing of the faithful. -
Byzantine Gold Fretwork Pendant
6th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £110
Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree band between, ribbed suspension tube. 0.73 grams, 14 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine Lead Medallion with Saints
Circa 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Discoid with suspension hole near rim, obverse with low-relief nimbate figures and legend to the rim, reverse with Maltese cross and scrolls. 26.1 grams, 44 mm
From the collection of an London antiquarian, 1980s.
