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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).
ProvenanceFrom 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.
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection.
While one side is engraved with an angel with a cross-staff, the other side is engraved with the beginning of Psalm 91 (90): + Ο ΚΑΤΟΙΚΟΝ ΕΝ ΒΟΗΘΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΥΨΙϹΤΟΙ…(He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High…). -
Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Ring
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With ellipsoid bezel, incised Greek inscription with some of the letter inversed, reading 'ΧζΒΟ ΗϽΙΤΡ βOΥΛΟ'. 1.81 grams, 19.87 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The meaning of the inscription is not clear, although it may be prophylactic, with the letter Chi (Χ) linked with the rho (P) i.e. XP for ‘Christ’ and the other letters referring to the usual expression βΟYTICΗ (protect) βOΥΛIΟ (Doulo? ), therefore intended to be read ‘Christ protect your servant’. The ring was probably engraved by a foreigner with a very limited understanding of Greek. -
Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant
10th-12th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Hollow-formed and hinged at the lower edge, with low-relief crucifixion to one face and robed figure to the other. 24.9 grams, 66 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
