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LOT 0966
Byzantine Iron Bull-Head Attachment with Cross
5TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 in. (55 grams, 74 mm).
Composed of a stylised bull's head with slender recurved horns and pricked ears, an expanding arm cross emerging from the animal's head on a rectangular arm.
Provenancewith a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant Group
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising three flat-section cross pendants, each decorated with ring-and-dot motifs. 9.18 grams total, 27-40 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Inscribed Bronze Bell for St Blaise
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Domed high-tin bronze with pierced lug suspension and thickened rim; incised Greek inscription to the shoulder 'ΟΑΓΗΟCΒΛΑCHOC' (Hagios Blasios). 35.6 grams, 46 mm
Acquired in the 1980s. From the collection of a London antiquarian.
The name is normally anglicised as 'St Blaise', an early bishop who was martyred in 316 AD in Sebaste, Armenia. -
Byzantine Gold Inlaid Ceremonial Axe Head
Circa 9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,700
A miniature tzikourion comprising a crescentic blade with long neck, flared socket and leaf-shaped blade to the rear; gilt surface with reserved florid and tendril detailing, stylised cross to the flared socket. 28.88 grams, 10.9 cm
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK. 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 no. no.12340-225024.
It is possible that this axe was used as a status symbol for officers or their family. The axe was known to be a symbol of the Varangian Guard who protected the emperor.
