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LOT 1163
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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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1163
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Estimate £1,200 - 1,700€1,390 - 1,970 (for guidance only)$1,620 - 2,300 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£640 (EUR 742; USD 864) +BP*
-
Eastern Roman Bronze Amulet with Saint Spearing the Dragon
Circa 14th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £10
Oval pendant with integral suspension loop, one side with armoured Saint Theodore or Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon with a barbed spear, a lion beneath and a Greek inscription on the upper edge 'EICΘEOCONIKѠNTAKAK = εἷς θεός ὁ νικῶν τά κακ(ά)' = the one god who defeats evil; the reverse with four animals (two lions, a snake, an ibis and a scorpion) reaching towards an altar or a boat, a Greek inscription above 'ПІΝѠCAΒAѠΘΜIΧAΗΛ' = I drink, The God of the hosts, Michael. 8.77 grams, 56 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Large Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant with Christ and Saint
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Enkolpion with hinged and ribbed loop; low-relief nimbate figure in orans pose to reverse wearing draped robes; robed Corpus Christi to reverse with cross above. 36.9 grams, 82 mm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Cross
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Hoop expanding towards the shoulders, oval bezel with a cross on a triangular base. 3.65 grams, 22.69 mm overall, 20.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
