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LOT 0207
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.
ProvenanceFrench 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.
Cf. Shelton, K.J., The Esquiline Treasure, London, 1981, item 27, for type.
FootnotesThe lateral incised cross motifs suggest that the spoon may have had a liturgical purpose, possibly associated with baptism.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0207
Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked Ligula Spoon with Cross
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Inscriptions
11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Flat-section hoop with incuse foliate designs on each of the shoulders, oval bezel with inscription in two lines: 'ΙΗX ΗΝΑ' = Ἰη[σοῦς] Χ[ριστός] H N[I]KA' = Jesus Christ and the Victory. 5.79 grams, 23.02 mm overall, 19.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)
Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
In this category of rings, the oval hoop gradually widens into a full shoulder and a massive, flattened bezel. The bezel is an ellipsoidal field, decorated with a dedicatory inscription to Christ. The letters are roughly engraved. This ring is likely to have come from a Byzantine-era provincial Balkan workshop. -
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Circa 6th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
Slender hoop and applied teardrop plaque with radiating lugs, granulated surface with inset garnet cabochons. 3.45 grams, 22.27 mm overall, 16.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
From the collection of a late Japanese gentleman, 1970-2000s. -
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Eastern Byzantine Amethyst Gemstone of a Male Bust with Cross in Gold Ring
4th-5th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
Intaglio with bearded profile bust facing left with a small cross to the shoulder; set into a later hollow-formed gold ring. 9.56 grams, 32.00 mm overall, 20.72 x 16.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired on the European art market. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13137-249543.
