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LOT 0171
Byzantine Gold and Rock Crystal Pendant with Adoration Scene
LATE 6TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (9.35 grams, 36 mm).
Ellipsoid intaglio with adoration scene comprising of seated Virgin holding an infant Christ on her lap, opposite a standing crowned figure holding a shield(?), cross to the upper centre of the scene; set in a golden frame with ribbed border and suspension loop to the top.
ProvenanceEx an important collection of Christian artefacts, from a Surrey, UK, gentleman, 1980-1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12871-240788.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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, No. 179 M, pl. XCVIII.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0171
Byzantine Gold and Rock Crystal Pendant with Adoration Scene
Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Piriform in profile with domed mouth and narrow point, the body with raised lugs and bosses on a stamped background; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 780 grams, 13.8 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Mould-Blown Christian Glass Vessel
Late 6th-early 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Comprising a pale-blue hexagonal body with cylindrical neck and rolled rim, applied tubular handle; rosette to base, the side panels with alternating motifs: two of the panels with a palm-leaf, two with large conjoining lozenges with bosses, and the other two with crosshatching, each small lozenge with a pellet to the centre. 90 grams, 16 cm
From an important London collection of glass, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Saint
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
A pair of granules to each shoulder flanking a discoid bezel with niello-filled facing bust of a nimbate saint. 8.20 grams, 26.24 mm overall, 21.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
