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LOT 1106
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).
ProvenanceFrom an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
LiteratureCf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 743, for type.
FootnotesThe stamp seals that have survived in large numbers from Byzantium are objects a few centimetres 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 for personal purposes, using wax and other soft materials.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1106
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Estimate £80 - 100€93 - 116 (for guidance only)$108 - 135 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£44 (EUR 52; USD 60) +BP*
-
Post Byzantine Silver Ring with Saint Demetrios
18th-19th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £80
With a D-section hoop and a large oval bezel with a nimbate bust holding a staff, Greek inscription 'ΘET?' and 'CΘHN' flanking the bust. 6.99 grams, 22.95 mm overall, 18.99 x 17.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Two-Line Inscription
6th-8th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Featuring a slender hoop and circular bezel inscribed with 'CAP / ΓOV'. 1.59 grams, 21.30 mm overall, 17.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine Bronze Ring with Warrior Saint
12th-13th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £15
D-section hoop with keeled shoulders, polygonal bezel with a stylised nimbate figure. 6.65 grams, 23.80 mm overall, 18.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
This category of rings had a hexagonal-rounded chaton raised above the link. Conforming to the iconography of the Orthodox countries under the influence of Byzantium, the possible decoration was related to military saints.