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LOT 0208
Byzantine Terracotta Bread Stamp
10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (319 grams, 95 mm).
Discoid in plan with integral stub handle; central Maltese cross within a herringbone ring.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Sir Daniel Donohue [1919-2014] and the Countess Bernardine [1904-1968], Los Angeles, USA; the collection was assembled in the 1950-1960s, but before March 1968.
with Bonhams, London, 13 April 2011, no.310 [Part].
Acquired on the English art market, 2011.
Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages.
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Byzantine Lead Icon with St George
Circa 7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,404
Bifacial lead plaque with figurative decoration: obverse with Saint George, nimbate, on his horse killing a fallen foe with his spear; 'ΓΕΟΡΓ' label above the horse's neck, raised border with pellets and pellet clusters; reverse with relief pattern of a double circle decorated with double arcs forming a cross pellet to the centre. 48.8 grams, 64 mm
Private collection Mr S.A., Switzerland, before 1992, thence by descent.
According to the Christian tradition, Saint George would have lived between the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century: born into a noble Christian family, he became an officer in the Roman army and was then named a prefect by Diocletian. But when the same emperor decided to resume the persecutions, Saint George became a victim despite his important political rank. His role in the development of the faith is so important that he is included among the Great Martyrs of the Eastern Church and his fight against the dragon becomes a symbol par excellence of the fight for Good which defeats Evil. In the Christian symbolism of the Middle Ages, the circle, a perfect geometric shape which has neither beginning nor end, designates the universe whose centre is the source and thus evokes Jesus. -
Byzantine Cobalt Blue Lidded Pyxis
9th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,820
With a barrel-shaped body, domed shoulder, everted neck, band of high-relief disc with fluting, crenellated base; conical lid with spike handle and applied rim. 58 grams, 92 mm
Acquired 1960s-1970s. From the estate of a Sheffield, UK, lady, thence by descent. -
Byzantine Gold Ring with Square Carnelian Bezel
8th-10th century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
With frond detailing to the shoulders, square bezel with hatched ornament, inset carnelian gemstone. 9.34 grams, 23.69 mm overall, 16.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Ex private collection, acquired in the 1980s. with Christie's, New York, 'Ancient Jewellery', 11 December 2003, no.455. Private European collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's pages.