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LOT 0204
Byzantine Gold Inlaid Ceremonial Axe Head
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/4 in. (28.88 grams, 10.9 cm).
A miniature tzikourion comprising a crescentic blade with long neck, flared socket and leaf-shaped blade to the rear; gilt surface with reserved florid and tendril detailing, stylised cross to the flared socket.
ProvenancePrivate collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.
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 no. no.12340-225024.
See similar forms (iconography) in Nicolle, Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350 AD, volume II, Islam, Eastern Europe and Asia, London, 1999, figs.33p &118c, pp.355 and 373; for battle specimens from the territories of Eastern Roman Empire cf. Yotov, V., Въоръжението и снаряжението от българското средновековие (VII-XI век), (Arms in Bulgaria in medieval period, 7th – 12th century), Варна 2004, no.637; Gorelik, M., ‘Arms and Armour in South-Eastern Europe in the Second Half of First Millennium AD’ in Nicolle, D. (ed.), A Companion to Medieval Arms and Armour, Oxford, 2002, pp.127-148, pl.XL-8, nos.33 ,34 (Khazar Khanate equipment).
FootnotesIt is possible that this axe was used as a status symbol for officers or their family. The axe was known to be a symbol of the Varangian Guard who protected the emperor.
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Byzantine Gold Ring with Square Carnelian Bezel
8th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
With frond detailing to the shoulders, square bezel with hatched ornament, inset carnelian gemstone. 9.34 grams, 23.69 mm overall, 16.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Ex private collection, acquired in the 1980s. with Christie's, New York, 'Ancient Jewellery', 11 December 2003, no.455. Private European collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's pages. -
Byzantine Bronze Artefact Group
6th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
Comprising: front cover of an enkolpion with robed figure in orans pose, legend 'ΓΕΟΡΓΙΟC' (St. George) above; censer cover with openwork design, expanding-arm cross within an arc with ring-and-dot motifs, poppy-head lugs, suspension loop. 188 grams total, 84-95 mm
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. -
Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Group
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising three flat-section cross pendants, each decorated with ring-and-dot motifs. 9.18 grams total, 27-40 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
