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LOT 0850
Byzantine Silver Cross Brooch
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (5.27 grams, 28 mm).
Shaped as an equal-armed cross, surface decorated with pellet-in-circles, catch and fastening pin on the back; polished. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
Cf. Wamser, H., Die Welt Von Byzanz-Europas Ostliches Erbe, Germany, 2004, p.276, no.426, for a very similar example.
FootnotesThe cross fibulae was part of a Roman female costume in the Mediterranean and in the regions around the Mediterranean. They were used to close the cloak at chest height.
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AUCTIONS:
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Opening Bid: £125
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From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising six circular commercial weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with letter motifs. 61 grams total, 10-27 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The biggest weight is a one ounce weight, having an engraved monogram of Γ and Α. The flans of circular coin weights were turned on a lathe in the 6th century A.D., giving them a neat appearance. The designs are usually quite simple and often crudely executed, either engraved or slipped. -
Byzantine Bronze Horse Harness Boss Pendant
15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Large domed centre with low-relief sun wheel design, pellets to the rim and suspension loop above. 28.6 grams, 75 mm
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
In the late period of Byzantium, round-shaped buckles and horse harness mounts were often decorated with beaded edges and with floral embossed ornaments, under the influence of the Ottoman Turks. They have the shape of a small shield and impressed decoration of a rose. If belt appliques, they have an extra boss for attachment, instead of the loop usually attached to the horse harness pendants.