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LOT 0952
Byzantine Gold Strap End with Facing Figure
CIRCA 7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (7.40 grams, 39 mm).
The hollow-formed, tongue-shaped body adorned with a filigree border, repoussé figure with pellets on the torso and serpents framing the head.
ProvenanceAcquired 1990s-early 2000s.
East Anglian private collection.
Cf. similar mount in the collection of the British Museum, London, under accession no.1991,1002.1; see also similar pendant (in style) in Arslan, E.A., L'oro D'egli Avari, Popolo delle Steppe In Europa (The gold of the Avars, Steppe People in Europe, In Italian), Milano, 2000, for illustration of use and for comparable pieces, particularly p.110, cat.82.
FootnotesThe beautiful horsemen burials found in the Avar necropolis of central Europe date to the last third of the 7th century A.D. and the early 8th century A.D. show wealth and pomp. This type of belt elements, although present in the Avar graves, were most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts or spoils of war. They could be simple fastenings for belts, or part of multiple belts, to which sabres and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 6th -7th centuries A.D.
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LOT 0952
Byzantine Gold Strap End with Facing Figure
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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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 Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge. 7.9 grams, 30 mm
From an old New Zealand private collection. Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. 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.12327-223721.
The motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal. -
Byzantine Bronze Figural Intaglio Gemstone
Circa 6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £44
Oval-shaped with intaglio motif of a standing robed figure facing left, inscription to the right. 0.70 grams, 14 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
