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LOT 0209
Large Byzantine Gold Ring of The Crucifixion with Mary and St John Holding Censers
CIRCA 9TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (5.41 grams, 20.78 mm overall, 19.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)).
With flat-section faceted hoop, incuse legend '+KύριE B[οή]ΘEI…TOY TIC ΦΟPOYCIA+' between pointillé borders; ellipsoid plaque with crucifixion scene, 'IPINΗ' in exergue.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.
Accompanied by an original loan agreement dated 2 April 1997 for US$18,000.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13422-259838.
Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 639, for the shape.
FootnotesThe inscription 'KύριE B[οή]ΘEI…TOY TIC ΦΟPOYCIA+' = 'Lord helps the wearer of this' is indicative of the devotional and protective character of the ring. The word 'IPINΗ' (peace) at the feet of the Cross invokes the words of Christ in John 14:27 (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you).
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0209
Large Byzantine Gold Ring of The Crucifixion with Mary and St John Holding Censers
Estimate £4,000 - 6,000€4,640 - 6,960 (for guidance only)$5,400 - 8,100 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£2,000 (EUR 2,320; USD 2,700) ‡+BP*
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Byzantine Bronze Ring with Saint
14th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Octagonal bezel with pelleted border enclosing facing bust of Mary Theotokos and infant Jesus with equal-arm cross in the field. 2.43 grams, 24.06 mm overall, 21.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £70 - 90 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Bulbous body with rounded base and domed filler hole, impressed circumferential bands on the body; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 790 grams, 11.9 cm
Ex important collection of weaponry, London, UK, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Byzantine Inscribed Lead Bulla
Circa 10th century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Circular bulla with a facing nimbate bust on the obverse and the reverse with four lines of Greek text. 24.2 grams, 25 mm
From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
