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LOT 0214
Byzantine Gold Roundel of a Standing Saint
LATE 10TH-EARLY 11TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (1.19 grams, 23 mm).
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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx Elie Borowski, 1988.
LiteratureCf. Evans, H.C. & Wixom, W.D., The Glory of Byzantium. Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era A.D.843-1261, New York, 2006, item 107, for a larger example with enamelled fill.
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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LOT 0214
Byzantine Gold Roundel of a Standing Saint
Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
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Byzantine Gold Fretwork Pendant
6th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £110
Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree band between, ribbed suspension tube. 0.73 grams, 14 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Piriform body decorated from concentric circles, with domed filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 1.01 kg, 15 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. -
Large Byzantine Inscribed Bronze Glove Ring with Swan
Circa 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
With facetted shoulders and octagonal bezel, central swan motif surrounded by enigmatic Greek text 'IOHMOK HΠ[.]IKO'. 12.22 grams, 25.54 mm overall, 21.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.
Similar rings have been found in the area of Vojvodina, where the military and ecclesiastical presence of Byzantium was still strong until the 13th century. The signet ring shows a Greek inscription probably made by Slavonic people using Greek letters as an 'imitation' of earlier Eastern Roman rings.
