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LOT 0172
Byzantine Rock Crystal Pendant with Cross and Christ Riding a Donkey
11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (11.7 grams, 34 mm).
Biconvex in section with ribbed suspension loop; obverse with profile figure of Mary on a donkey with infant Jesus in her arms; reverse with voided Maltese cross.
ProvenanceEx Michael Denis O’Hara in the 1970s.
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12402-225432.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Daux, G., Collection Hélène Stathatos. Les Objets Byzantins et Post-Byzantins, Strasbourg, Amandry, 1957; Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 44, 639, for similar worked rock crystal with religious imagery.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0172
Byzantine Rock Crystal Pendant with Cross and Christ Riding a Donkey
Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,150
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Byzantine Gilt Bronze Mount with Inscription
8th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Shoe-shaped belt plaque with incised lambda on the disc, D-shaped head with pierced lugs to reverse and incised circle containing 'Φ /ΖωΗ/C'. 6.38 grams, 31 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The strap end bears a reference to the words of Jesus: John, 8:12 and 14.6 (I am the light of the world…I am the way and the truth and the life). It is highly possible that the belt was that of an important ecclesiastic Eastern Roman prelate. -
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Shallow piriform bowl attached to a stepped baluster, hexagonal-section handle with spike finial; engraved cross potent to either side of the junction. 46 grams, 22.7 cm
French private collection. Acquired on the French art market in 2011. Acquired by the present owner at the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12240-222347. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The lateral incised cross motifs suggest that the spoon may have had a liturgical purpose, possibly associated with baptism. -
Byzantine Stone Relief Section with Draped Figure
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Fragment of a sculpture representing the draped bust of an Apostle, making a blessing gesture with his right hand, and holding a scroll in his left hand, part of the neck visible; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.83 kg total, 25 cm including stand
Mr F.D. collection, acquired on the European art market, 1975 to present. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The image and gesture is visible on many early Christian sarcophagi of the Constantinian era, representing the deceased with his wife. The bas-relief in question could represent an apostle from a scene representing the twelve disciples with Jesus.