Details

LOT 0166

Large Byzantine Terracotta Bread Stamp

CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.

5 in. (495 grams, 12.6 cm wide).

Discoid in plan with integral stub handle; central Maltese cross with herringbone ring and epigraphic band, radiating dentilled rim; the inscription '+ ΕΥΛΟΓΙΑ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΚΕ ΘΕΟΥ ΕΙΜΙ ΚΕ ΘΟC ΜΕ ΠΑΠΑ' (With the blessing of Lord and God I am with the Father).

Provenance

From 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).

Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages.
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00120713.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12109-218144.

Footnotes

The cross is surrounded by a zig-zag frieze enclosed within a long inscription in medieval Greek, this confirms the use of the seal in a liturgical context. The practice of preparing bread for Holy Eucharist and Antidoron is still in use in the churches of the East.