Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0181
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
9 in. (46 grams, 22.7 cm).
Shallow piriform bowl attached to a stepped baluster, hexagonal-section handle with spike finial; engraved cross potent to either side of the junction.
Provenance
French private collection.
Acquired on the French art market in 2011.
Acquired by the present owner at the above.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12240-222347.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Literature
Cf. Shelton, K.J., The Esquiline Treasure, London, 1981, item 27, for type.
Footnotes
The lateral incised cross motifs suggest that the spoon may have had a liturgical purpose, possibly associated with baptism.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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 0181
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
Estimate £1,800 - 2,400€2,090 - 2,780 (for guidance only)$2,430 - 3,240 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
Shallow piriform bowl attached to a stepped baluster, hexagonal-section handle with spike finial; engraved cross potent to either side of the junction. 46 grams, 22.7 cm
French private collection. Acquired on the French art market in 2011. Acquired by the present owner at the above. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12240-222347. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The lateral incised cross motifs suggest that the spoon may have had a liturgical purpose, possibly associated with baptism. -
Byzantine Bronze Pendant with Bird
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
D-shaped amuletic pendant with pierced lug suspension: obverse a bird with omega; reverse a hatched pillar with rings. 1.74 grams, 22 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
A large bulbous missile with domed filler-hole and impressed circle-and-dot motifs to the shoulder. 730 grams, 13.5 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'. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.