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LOT 0167
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (7.9 grams, 30 mm).
With a tapering octagonal body, the military saint on horseback holding a long spear, the horse wearing a detailed harness; set in a conical silver frame with suspension loop and crenellated edge.
ProvenanceFrom an old New Zealand private collection.
Acquired on the New Zealand art market circa 2014.
Property of a New Zealand legal professional.
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 number no.12327-223721.
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; Lady Carnegie, H., Catalogue of the Collection of Antique Gems formed by James Ninth Earl of Southesk, London, 1908, Vol.2, 13, P29, pl.1; Delaporte, L., Musée du Louvre. Catalogue des cylinders, cachets et pierres gravées de style oriental, vols.1-2, Paris, 1920, 1923, Vol.I, D.284, pls.56-60; Boardman, J. and Scaribrick, D., The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger Rings, London, 1977, 53, no.120; Lerner, J.A., Christian Seals of the Sasanian Period, Leiden, 1977; p.32, nos.6, pl.1,4; 7,8; Spier, J., Late Antique and Early Christian Gems, Wiesbaden, 2013, pls.118-119.
FootnotesThe motif of a saint on horseback was common in the Romano-Christian culture of the 6th-7th centuries. The figure of a saint symbolised protection of the local church or monastery and its community, and could also be related to the priest leader of the community, as their personal seal.
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LOT 0167
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Iron Ring with Silver-Gilt Bezel with Monogram of Consular Rank
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Discoid bezel with inset gilt panel, monogram comprising the letters ΥΠΑΤΟΥ (of the Hypatos), meaning 'Man with Consular Rank'. 4.93 grams, 26.33 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The complex letter monograms seen on these rings are sometimes referred to as 'merchant's marks' and would normally be a personal mark giving a name or phrase of significance to the owner. In this case it seems belonging to a Magistrate with consular rank, the Hypatos. -
Byzantine Bronze Medallion with the Virgin and Child
11th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £650
Square in plan with loop above; obverse with Mary Theotokos in a scrolled frame; reverse with cross pommee flanked by saltires and other signs. 17.8 grams, 34 mm
From Phoenix Ancient Art SA, New York, USA, 2004. Ex central London, UK, gallery. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Saint
12th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
A pair of granules to each shoulder flanking a discoid bezel with niello-filled facing bust of a nimbate saint. 8.20 grams, 26.24 mm overall, 21.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
