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LOT 1307
Byzantine Terracotta Oil Lamp
CIRCA 6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (64 grams, 90 mm).
A slipper-type oil lamp with a herringbone design and a low relief basal ring. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market from the 1990s.
From the private collection of a Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Bronze Plate with Combat Scene
Circa 7th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Tongue-shaped in plan with knop finial and three pierced lugs to the reverse; raised rim enclosing a scene with an advancing gladiator and a beast preparing to attack. 14.83 grams, 38.39 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine Bronze Polycandelon Hanger Chain with Cross
5th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Comprising a substantial link chain with a large cross composed of two rivetted plates. 372 grams, 87 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Polycandela were basically ring-shaped devices, hung from chains, pierced with circular holes to accommodate the stems of glass lamps. These suspended chandeliers, formed by two perforated concentric circles, held glass lamps filled with oil and having a metal wick holder inside. Crosses were often attached to polycandela, as elements of connection of the chains, a system still used in the actual Oriental churches. -
Byzantine Seal Matrix with Inscription
Circa 11th-12th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £56
With inscription '+ΘKEB / OΘTO / ΔΟΛΟ / ΤΘΛΑ' for 'ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ ΒΟΗΘΕI ΤΩ ΔΟΥΛΩ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ ΛΑΔΕ' (Mother of God, help Lades, the servant of God). 13.1 grams, 18 mm
From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva.
The stamp seals that have survived in large numbers from Byzantium are objects a few centimetres high and conical in shape, featuring a sealing surface at the lower end and a pendant at the upper end. They served the same function as signet rings and were used to seal everyday objects, primarily for personal purposes, using wax and other soft materials.
