Byzantine Silver Swan-Necked 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.

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0175