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LOT 0186
Byzantine Gold Hair Ornament with Earrings and Original Chain
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (26.35 grams, 77 cm long).
The chain composed of gussetted sheet-gold links interspersed with filigree-framed medallions embossed with facing busts; the chain attached to the penannular earring hoops by openwork filigree pendants with pearl drops, two further pearl drops to the hoops.
ProvenanceAcquired from Fred Leighton, New York, ca.1982.
Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11047-184615.
See Niederle, L., Příspěvky k vývoji byzantských šperků ze IV. - X. Století (Contributions to the development of Byzantine jewellery from the IV. - 10th century,), Praha, 1930; Baldini Lippolis, I., L’oreficeria nell’Impero di Costantinopoli fra il IV e il VII secolo (Goldsmithing in the Empire of Constantinople between the 4th and 7th centuries), Bari, 1999, figs.1 (treasure of Pantalica); p.132, no.4 (treasure of Reggio Emilia).
FootnotesThe characters within the medallions, derived from the imagines clipeatae and possibly representing unbearded dignitaries (eunuchs?) clad in their court cloak, are typical of the 7th century. This suggests the possibility that the chain belonged to an aristocratic woman.
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LOT 0186
Byzantine Gold Hair Ornament with Earrings and Original Chain
Estimate £7,000 - 9,000€8,120 - 10,440 (for guidance only)$9,450 - 12,150 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Plaque with Bird Inlay
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,000
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.
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 spreads 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 Silver Cross Brooch
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Shaped as an equal-armed cross, surface decorated with pellet-in-circles, catch and fastening pin on the back; polished. 5.27 grams, 28 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
The cross fibulae was part of a Roman female costume in the Mediterranean and in the regions around the Mediterranean. They were used to close the cloak at chest height. -
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Byzantine Gold and Crystal Seal Pendant
6th-7th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Composed of a tapering octagonal body, intaglio image of a robed and winged figure of Archangel Michael standing left, holding a Christian cross to base, granulated gold frame with suspension loop. 9.27 grams, 29 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11864-200658.
The Roman motif of winged Victory bearing a laurel wreath was slowly replaced with the image of Archangel Michael carrying the victory cross when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity.
