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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 Silver Roundel with Evangelist
13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Disc with repoussé pellets to the border, facing nimbate figure of Christ with 'IC XP' legend flanking the head. 2.41 grams, 40 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Hexagonal Bronze Censer Base
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With flared and stepped rim and foot; pierced for attachment; carbonised accretion within. 194 grams, 80 mm
From a family collection mostly formed in the 1940s-1950s, thence by descent.