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LOT 0208
Large Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp
CIRCA 7TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (361 grams, 12.7 cm).
Featuring a crucifix-shaped monogram with reversed inscription in Greek letters written in two intersecting lines 'ΠET PX Y', translating to 'Peter, servant of God' most likely a benefaction to Jesus Christ from an individual; large applied handle to the reverse.
ProvenancePreviously in a German collection.
Ex Austrian collection.
In a London collection from the 1990s.
Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Gilt Bronze Bowl with Religious Scenes
Circa 5th-6th century A.D.Estimate: £10,000 - 14,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5,000
Of squat profile with flared base and drop handle; running tendril bands to the shoulder and base, gilt-inlaid frieze depicting the seated robed figure of Christ holding a staff between two palm trees in a landscape inhabited by a bear, leaping goat, frog, cockerel, hen, eagle, horse, hounds, sheep, lioness, snake, rabbit, duck, boar cow; trees in the background with birds perching on the branches; central roundel with Chi-Rho, alpha and omega; handle with vine tendrils flanked by pellet clusters, saltire to the centre. 1.02 kg, 23 cm wide
From the family collection of Mr E.L. (1915-1991), who collected antiquities from the 1940s, thence by descent. Ex J.L. collection, Surrey, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12059-213551.
The frieze is full of Christian symbolism, mainly concentrated on the image of the good shepherd (Christ) depicted according to the model visible in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna and shown on the opposite side of the central roundel. Jesus is represented in a landscape suffused with peace, full of plants and flowers; he has a serene expression and is depicted beardless and surrounded by six sheep. Its clear allusive meaning is that only through Christ can eternal peace be achieved. Another part probably represents the Tree of Life with an array of animals. The vessel probably had a liturgical use, perhaps for the ritual washing of feet during the Easter celebrations or for the blessing of the faithful. -
Byzantine Bronze Inscribed Cross Pendant
7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Flat in section with pierced lug and suspension ring, lightly inscribed to the ends of the arms 'NI / KA / HC / ΛC'. 10.3 grams, 56 mm
Acquired in Munich, Germany, in 2001. European private collection. -
Byzantine Glazed Sgraffito-Ware Shipwreck Bowl
12th-13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
With glazed upper face and basal ring; central reserved motif of a hare within concentric rings, with signs of sea encrustations. 544 grams, 22 cm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12046-211891.
