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LOT 0967
Byzantine Gold Fretwork Pendant
6TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.73 grams, 14 mm).
Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree band between, ribbed suspension tube.
ProvenanceFrom a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0967
Byzantine Gold Fretwork Pendant
Estimate £200 - 300€230 - 350 (for guidance only)$270 - 410 (for guidance only)
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Early Byzantine Gold Ring with Pearls and Later Cloisonne Enamelled Figure
Italy, 7th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
Flat hoop with beaded wire borders and braided filigree ornament; discoid box bezel with seed pearls on a wire to the outer edge; upper face a (modern) cloisonné enamel panel depicting Mary in orans posture. 6.37 grams, 23.84 mm overall, 18.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
From a collection formed in Antwerp, Belgium. Acquired in France in the early 2000s. Accompanied by a copy of a previous illustrated catalogue information page. -
Byzantine Copper Talisman Pendant with Saint George
Circa 6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Tongue-shaped pendant with integral loop, obverse with stylised figure of a horseman spearing a creature, lion below and text surrounding 'EIC ΘΕΟϹ Ο ΝΙΚΟΝΤΑ ', reverse with stylised angel and legend '[KONCTA]NTΙΝΟY'. 9.55 grams, 62 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The amulet has a prophylactic element asking the divine protection of a military saint (probably Saint Sisinnius, or Saint George or Saint Theodore) with the inscription 'Winning for God'. The amulet seems to belong to a certain Konstantinos, probably a soldier. -
Byzantine Inscribed Lead Spindle Whorl
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Discoid with central void and portion of the shank embedded; inscribed with Greek characters '+AEB Φ BEPETEAI'. 2.66 grams, 18 mm
Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection.
Similar objects could have been manufactured to look like spindle whorls, while they were in fact used as beads and/or amulets. The current evidence may suggest that these items were burial goods for females. They are sometimes seen incised with Greek letters and symbols that seem to suggest a cryptic onomata barbara formula. In this context, they can be viewed as mystical objects with the function of transmitting a message to the Other World, and the sheer mass of letters intended to convey the idea of an authoritative communication inaccessible to ordinary human being.
