Byzantine Inscribed Silver Bowl with Chi Rho

CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.

9 1/4 in. (395 grams, 23.5 cm wide).

With rounded underside and flange rim; tondo with incised symmetrical vinescroll with bunches of grapes enclosing central disc with niello-filled Chi Rho flanked by alpha and omega; legend to the rim in capitals: '+++ ΥΠΕΡ ΑΝΑΠΑΥϹΕΩϹ ΕΥΧΗϹ ΟΝ ΟΙΔΕΝ ΟΘϹ ΤΑ ΟΝΟΜΑΤΑ' (For the eternal rest of him who had knowledge in the name of the Lord).

Provenance

From a European family collection formed in the 1990s; thence by descent to a UK gentleman.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Accompanied by professional drawings of the object.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11963-210867.

Literature

Cf. similar item of an earlier date in the British Museum, London, under accession no. 1899,0425.1; Aimone, M., The Wyvnern collection, Byzantine and Sasanian Silver, Enamels and Works of Art, London, 2020, figs.43a-b-c.

Footnotes

The decorative apparatus of this plate could be associated with Eastern Roman art of the 11-12th century A.D., although we cannot exclude an earlier dating.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 0179