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LOT 1070
Byzantine Silver Archer's Thumb Ring
CIRCA 12TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (17.11 grams, 39.50 mm overall, 22.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)).
With narrow triangular flange, low-relief geometric designs, three hexagonal plaques.
ProvenanceFrom a Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Saints
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a D-section hoop and a large discoid bezel with two stylised nimbate figures dressed in short tunics. 6.46 grams, 22.33 mm overall, 19.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The oval hoop, in this category of rings, gradually widens into a full shoulder and massive flattened head. The bezel is ellipsoidal, decorated with stylised images, most probably of military saints, invoking protection and blessing. -
Byzantine Bronze Pendant Cross
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Expanding-arm type with integral loop and low-relief Maltese cross at the centre. 4.43 grams, 44 mm
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 Warrior Saint
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Hoop with angled shoulders, hexagonal bezel with a stylised nimbate warrior holding a long spear and a shield. 3.24 grams, 21.62 mm overall, 18.18 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
The bronze ring is compactly worked from a single bar. The hoop, hemispherical in section, broadens at the top, where the hexagonal ring bezel was hammered. The decoration inscribed in the hexagon shows a military saint in the upper field, surrounded by lines running parallel to the hexagon, which form a further decorative element. The bezel of these rings was decorated with stylised images, very often military saints, who were asked for protection and blessing. They are usually represented as one or two human figures, schematically depicted, inscribed in a circle, decorating the bezel.