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LOT 0206
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.
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 0206
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Estimate £1,600 - 2,000€1,860 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,160 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
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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. -
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