Loading, please wait...
LOT 1465
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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1465
Byzantine Rock Crystal Stamp Seal in Silver Pendant with Military Saint on Horseback
Estimate £800 - 1,000€930 - 1,160 (for guidance only)$1,080 - 1,350 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£400 (EUR 464; USD 540) +BP*
-
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Saint Demetrios
Circa 10th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
D-section hoop with vesica-shaped bezel depicting a standing nimbate figure of Saint Demetrios holding a spear and a shield. 8.65 grams, 24.38 mm overall, 18.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Openwork Knot Design with Stylised Birds and Clasped Hands
Circa 13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £600
Slender flat-section hoop with clasped hands (mane in fede) to underside flanked by hatched cuffs; profile dove to each shoulder; bezel pierced with knotwork motif. 2.27 grams, 20.90 mm overall, 19.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. -
Byzantine Green Glazed Sgraffito Footed Bowl
13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Shallow type with dished body and ring to underside; rounded rim and incised border, four sgraffito crescent motifs with undulating line above each. 301 grams, 16 cm wide
From the private collection of Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK; formed since the late 1950s.
