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LOT 0200
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring with Busts
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (6.47 grams, 21.52 mm overall, 19.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).
With hoop formed as a band of quatrefoils, applied discoid bezel with facing busts flanking a cross potent, legend 'OMO / NOIA' (harmony).
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s.
From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12350-222584
Cf. similar subject in a ring of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accessory no.63.1555; see also The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Romans and Barbarians, Boston, 1976, p.179, no.202.
FootnotesThe marriage ring is one of the typologies on which figural decorations are frequently found. Generally marriage rings are engraved with a representation of the husband and wife, sometimes accompanied by Christ, and usually engraved with wishes for 'harmony, health and the grace of God'. Rings of this type had been used since the late 4th century A.D. and remained extremely popular in Byzantium in the 6th and 7th century.
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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Byzantine Gold Ring with Cabochon Garnets
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
With gusset to the hoop, each triangular shoulder with three cells containing garnet cabochons, bezel a piriform cell with granules and inset garnet cabochon. 4.04 grams, 23.53 mm overall, 18.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Terracotta Pilgrim Flask with a Saint
6th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Piriform in profile with two thick lug handles to the shoulder, obverse with low-relief facing figure holding a large cross and orb, reverse with facing figure with hand held up in the orans posture; with a display stand. 47.2 grams, 77 mm (71.4 grams total, 91 mm including stand)
Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s. Acquired from the above, 2001. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12110-218216. -
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Circa 6th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 280 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕΛ ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God). 13.1 grams, 18 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
