Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider")
_200x200.jpg "Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider")
.jpg "Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider")
LOT 0215
Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (4.00 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)).
Comprising a round-section hoop with tablet-bezel depicting a military saint on horseback (probably Saint George) advancing right, the nimbate saint holding a large cross in his right hand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Axia Art, London, UK.
Property of a North American gallery.
Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170705.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12117-214328.
Cf. Papanikola-Bakirtzi, D. (ed.), Everyday life in Byzantium. Byzantine Hours. Works and days in Byzantium, Exhibition catalogue, Thessaloniki, White Tower, October 2001-January 2002, Athens, 2002, no.573, for the type.
FootnotesThis type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high-quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. The presence of Saint George on this ring could refer to an owner of high military rank.
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:
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.
-
Byzantine Bronze Expanding-Arm Cross
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Each arm with raised Y-shaped median panels and two bulb finials; shank below broken. 20.2 grams, 51 mm
Belgium collection, 1980s. From the collection of an London antiquarian. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £163
Piriform body decorated with concentric circles alternated to round patterns, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 545 grams, 12.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Gold Roundel of a Standing Saint
Late 10th-early 11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Sheet gold disc with three holes close to the rim for attachment of links (two damaged); repoussé facing image of a nimbate saint standing wearing a knee-length tunic with decorative hatched panel to the front, calf-length cloak with hatched texture, disc brooch beneath the chin, both arms raised in the orans gesture. 1.19 grams, 23 mm
Ex Elie Borowski, 1988.
