Byzantine Silver-Gilt Ring with Saint

A pair of copper-alloy oil lamp stands with ornamental stems. 1.7 kg total, 16-25.2 cm



UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

This kind of stand was destined to support lamp with oval bodies, at the base of which there was a slot that allowed it to be inserted into the lamp stand. The latter was composed of a turned stem and a single, double or even triple curvilinear base, which had the shape of an inverted chalice and carried one, two or three supports which ended with horse hoof ornaments, and feet in the shape of lion's paws.

Of squat profile with flared base and drop handle; running tendril bands to the shoulder and base, gilt-inlaid frieze depicting the seated robed figure of Christ holding a staff between two palm trees in a landscape inhabited by a bear, leaping goat, frog, cockerel, hen, eagle, horse, hounds, sheep, lioness, snake, rabbit, duck, boar cow; trees in the background with birds perching on the branches; central roundel with Chi-Rho, alpha and omega; handle with vine tendrils flanked by pellet clusters, saltire to the centre. 1.02 kg, 23 cm wide



From the family collection of Mr E.L. (1915-1991), who collected antiquities from the 1940s, thence by descent. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12059-213551.

The frieze is full of Christian symbolism, mainly concentrated on the image of the good shepherd (Christ) depicted according to the model visible in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna and shown on the opposite side of the central roundel. Jesus is represented in a landscape suffused with peace, full of plants and flowers; he has a serene expression and is depicted beardless and surrounded by six sheep. Its clear allusive meaning is that only through Christ can eternal peace be achieved. Another part probably represents the Tree of Life with an array of animals. The vessel probably had a liturgical use, perhaps for the ritual washing of feet during the Easter celebrations or for the blessing of the faithful.

Tongue-shaped with attachment lug to the reverse and hinge knuckles to the edge; reserved design of a bull amid tendrils; geometric border. 13.8 grams, 40 mm



Acquired on the Europen art market. From the collection of an London antiquarian.