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LOT 0179
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).
ProvenanceFrom 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.
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.
FootnotesThe 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.
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LOT 0179
Byzantine Inscribed Silver Bowl with Chi Rho
Estimate £10,000 - 14,000€11,600 - 16,240 (for guidance only)$13,500 - 18,900 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Gold Ring with Cabochon
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Hoop with snakeheads to the shoulders, discoid plaque with beaded collar, cell with claw setting for an amethyst cabochon. 4.93 grams, 19.40 mm overall, 12.57 mm internal diameter
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine Bronze Pendant with Angel and Inscription
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Claw-shaped with cross and angel motif to the obverse; an inscription reading '+O KAT...Y' to the reverse. 7.9 grams, 39 mm
Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection.
While one side is engraved with an angel with a cross-staff, the other side is engraved with the beginning of Psalm 91 (90): + Ο ΚΑΤΟΙΚΟΝ ΕΝ ΒΟΗΘΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΥΨΙϹΤΟΙ…(He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High…). -
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Ring
6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With ellipsoid bezel, incised Greek inscription with some of the letter inversed, reading 'ΧζΒΟ ΗϽΙΤΡ βOΥΛΟ'. 1.81 grams, 19.87 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The meaning of the inscription is not clear, although it may be prophylactic, with the letter Chi (Χ) linked with the rho (P) i.e. XP for ‘Christ’ and the other letters referring to the usual expression βΟYTICΗ (protect) βOΥΛIΟ (Doulo? ), therefore intended to be read ‘Christ protect your servant’. The ring was probably engraved by a foreigner with a very limited understanding of Greek.