Loading, please wait...
LOT 0941
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
CIRCA 6TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (13.1 grams, 18 mm).
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕΛ ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God).
ProvenanceFrom an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
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 0941
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Estimate £200 - 280€230 - 320 (for guidance only)$270 - 380 (for guidance only)
-
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Circa 6th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 280 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £111
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕΛ ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God). 13.1 grams, 18 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. -
Byzantine Gold Marriage Ring with Busts
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,420
With hoop formed as a band of quatrefoils, applied discoid bezel with facing busts flanking a cross potent, legend 'OMO / NOIA' (harmony). 6.47 grams, 21.52 mm overall, 19.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12350-222584
The marriage ring is one of the typologies on which figural decorations are frequently found. Generally marriage rings are engraved with a representation of the husband and wife, sometimes accompanied by Christ, and usually engraved with wishes for 'harmony, health and the grace of God'. Rings of this type had been used since the late 4th century A.D. and remained extremely popular in Byzantium in the 6th and 7th century. -
Byzantine Bronze Steelyard Weight of an Empress
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
Filled with lead and formed as the upper body of an empress wearing a pleated palla, her hair arranged in loose curls around the face, suspension loop to the head. 630 grams, 94 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired by the current owner in 1999. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00038155.
The choice of the image of the empress for an official weight may have been to display fairness and equality before the law in commercial matters, as well as to bolster the authority of the imperial family.