Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
Acquired 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.
Literature
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).
Footnotes
The 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.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
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)
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
8th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Consisting of square-shaped weights of various sizes, most displaying markings to one or more faces in the form of Christian crosses; X-motifs; pricked letters; inscribed Greek letters; together with one weight featuring gusseted side walls. 92 grams total, 9-21 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection. -
Byzantine Bronze Horse Harness Boss Pendant
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Large domed centre with low-relief sun wheel design, pellets to the rim and suspension loop above. 28.6 grams, 75 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
In the late period of Byzantium, round-shaped buckles and horse harness mounts were often decorated with beaded edges and with floral embossed ornaments, under the influence of the Ottoman Turks. They have the shape of a small shield and impressed decoration of a rose. If belt appliques, they have an extra boss for attachment, instead of the loop usually attached to the horse harness pendants. -
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.
