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LOT 0219
Byzantine or Merovingian Gold Ring with Emerald and Pearls
7TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.70 grams, 27.95 mm overall, 16.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)).
With a heavy hollow-formed hoop, three pellets to each shoulder; raised square bezel set with emerald framed with pelletted border, four applied loops to the outer edge holding decorative gold wire with seed pearls. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx New York, USA, private collection in the early 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12105-214336.
Cf. Hadjadj, R., Bagues Merovingiennes - Gaul du Nord, Paris, 2007, item p.39, for similar emerald cabochon.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0219
Byzantine or Merovingian Gold Ring with Emerald and Pearls
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
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Byzantine Gold Ring with Holy Rider
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,980
Comprising a round-section hoop with tablet-bezel depicting a military saint on horseback (probably Saint George) advancing right, the nimbate saint holding a large cross in his right hand. 4.00 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 18.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Ex Axia Art, London, UK. Property of a North American gallery. Accompanied by a positive scientific statement from Striptwist Limited, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number 170705. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12117-214328.
This type of ring belongs to a typical category of the period in question, made with high-quality materials, and decorated with images of saints to invoke their protection. The presence of Saint George on this ring could refer to an owner of high military rank. -
Byzantine Green-Glazed Sgraffito Bowl
Circa 12th-15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Broad with basal disc, cream-glazed inner face with green detailing, sgraffito design of tulip flowers and hatched bands. 322 grams, 15.2 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
10th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Piriform body decorated with concentric circles, with sphero-conical filler-hole, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 660 grams, 12.8 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form.
