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LOT 1024
Byzantine Gold Dagger Pommel Cap with Garnets
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (2.13 grams, 22 mm).
Sheet gold dome with braided filigree band to the rim, three vertical bands and three cells each set with a garnet cabochon, collar to the apex. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a continental collection prior to 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market in 2010.
Ex property of a UK gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. applique in similar style of the Eastern Roman dagger from Malaja Perescepina, in Werner, J., Der Grabfund von Malaja Perescepina und Kuvrat, Kagan der Bulgaren, Munchen, 1984, pl.12, nos.4, 21, 24.
FootnotesEastern Roman daggers of 7th-8th centuries typically displayed gold ornaments embellished with garnets and filigree, visible on the specimens gifted by the Empire to foreign rulers, such as the famous Bulgarian leader Kuvrat.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Decorated Bracelet
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising a round-section body and flattened heart-shaped finials with raised floral motif above. 39.7 grams, 61 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine Bronze Inlaid Bird Mount
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Sub-rectangular in form with raised rectangular panel to centre, cells forming X-motif inlaid with red glass(?) against a blue field, central nacre(?) roundel engraved with a perched bird with polychrome enamelled detailing; trace remains of gilding to upper and side edges; piercing to each corner. 20.6 grams, 38 mm
Acquired in London, early 1980s. Purchased in Europe before 1992. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11811-206495. 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.
The small square plaque was possibly part of the decoration of an Evangeliary, such as the enamels covering the binding of Henry II's Perikopenbuch, or the Siena Evangeliary (11th-13th century). Byzantium brought the enamel and cloisonné technique to its most perfect, refined and skilful expression. Between the 10th and 11th centuries, it spread its forms in the East and West and after some infiltration in the Romanesque-Lombard sphere, precious Eastern Roman cloisonnes were found in Russian art, reaching their apex in the Roman Empire during the 10th-12th centuries, in the decoration of icons and other artworks. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A hollow piriform missile with domed filler-hole and impressed crescents to the body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 500 grams, 12.7 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.
