Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1093

Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription

CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (13.1 grams, 18 mm).

With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕI ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God).

Provenance

From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 743, for type.

Footnotes

The stamp seals that have survived in large numbers from Byzantium are objects a few centimeters high and conical in shape, featuring a sealing surface at the lower end and a pendant at the upper end. They served the same function as signet rings and were used to seal everyday objects, primarily in private areas, using wax and other soft materials.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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 1093

Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription

Estimate £150 - 200€170 - 230 (for guidance only)$200 - 270 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Byzantine Terracotta Token with Inscription
    Byzantine Terracotta Token with Inscription
    Circa 6th-8th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £130

    D-shaped in section with impressed legend to the flat face 'AΘHNA' (Athens). 20 grams, 74 mm



    Ex important Christian collection, 1970s.

    Lot Details

  • Byzantine Greek Fire Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
    Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
    9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Piriform in profile with domed mouth, vertical raised lugs dividing the body into four fields each with pointillé herringbone patterns; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 646 grams, 14.5 cm



    From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.

    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.

    Lot Details

  • Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
    Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant
    10th-12th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £150

    Cruciform with slightly flared arms, high-relief nimbate Corpus Christi and ribbed suspension loop. 3.9 grams, 37 mm



    Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list