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LOT 0190
Christian Rock Crystal Cross Stamp Seal Collection
7TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (17.88 grams total, 15-21 mm).
Comprising three conoid seals, each engraved with a Greek cross and pierced for suspension; one with a wreath border, the other two with Syriac inscriptions and letters, possibly 'hš’ hy’' (the living passion); accompanied by a custom-made display case and impressions. [3]
ProvenanceImportant North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no. 11778-204567.
See Lady Carnegie, H., Catalogue of the Collection of Antique Gems formed by James Ninth Earl of Southesk, London, 1908, Vol.2, 13, P29, pl.1; Delaporte, L., Musée du Louvre. Catalogue des cylinders, cachets et pierres gravées de style oriental, vols.1-2, Paris, 1920, 1923, Vol.I, D.284, pls.56-60; Boardman, J. and Scaribrick, D.,The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger Rings, London, 1977, 53, no.120; Lerner, J.A., Christian Seals of the Sasanian Period,Leiden, 1977; p.32 nos.6, pl.1,4; 7,8; Spier, J., Late Antique and Early Christian Gems, Wiesbaden, 2013, pls. 118-119.
FootnotesThe collection concerns a group of seals of distinctive style and mainly conoid shape, realised (according to Spier) by a workshop in Muslim Mesopotamia of 7th century, soon after the Arab conquest. Nearly all the seals of this category are made of rock crystal, are usually pierced for suspension and engraved with distinctive form of cross. The crosses are positioned inside a linear, cable or (like in our case) wreathed border (sometimes also under a recessed arch). They could be uninscribed or inscribed with Syriac dialect (Aramaic) or Arabic in Kufic inscription (sometimes also in Pahlavi).
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LOT 0190
Christian Rock Crystal Cross Stamp Seal Collection
Estimate £6,000 - 8,000€6,960 - 9,280 (for guidance only)$8,100 - 10,800 (for guidance only)
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Byzantine Stone Bread Stamp
6th-10th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £247
Rectangular with pierced lug to the reverse; rectangular design with text 'XAPO / ETA'. 80 grams, 66 mm
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
The legend should have been written in reverse for a stamp; it may have been a blundered legend by the workman. -
Byzantine Large Gold and Blue Glass Pendant
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Composed of a box-type semi-circular body with scalloped frame, central circular cell with blue glass bead inlay, filigree wire border and pellet to each arm, granule clusters to the body, three dangles supporting glass beads. 4.66 grams, 29 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
Byzantine Bronze Weight Collection
6th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising six circular commercial weights of different types and sizes, including examples stamped with letter motifs. 61 grams total, 10-27 mm
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s. From a North London collection.
The biggest weight is a one ounce weight, having an engraved monogram of Γ and Α. The flans of circular coin weights were turned on a lathe in the 6th century A.D., giving them a neat appearance. The designs are usually quite simple and often crudely executed, either engraved or slipped.
