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LOT 0165
Late Byzantine Green Glass Aryballos
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (329 grams, 94 mm wide).
Substantial jar with dimple base, trumpet-shaped mouth with brad rim and flanked by two loop handles.
ProvenanceFrom the early 19th century collection of General Sir George Cockburn (1763-1847), Shanganagh Castle, Co Wicklow, Ireland, sold at auction between 1935-1939.
From the collection of the late Dr J.D.H. Widdness, Dublin, Ireland.
Accompanied by a handwritten letter by Dr Widdness explaining the bottle's history and provenance, plus a typed transcription.
Accompanied by a copy of an old black and white photograph of Dr Widdness holding and admiring the bottle while sitting in his study.
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AUCTIONS:
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Byzantine Inscribed Lead Spindle Whorl
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Discoid with central void and portion of the shank embedded; inscribed with Greek characters '+AEB Φ BEPETEAI'. 2.66 grams, 18 mm
Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection.
Similar objects could have been manufactured to look like spindle whorls, while they were in fact used as beads and/or amulets. The current evidence may suggest that these items were burial goods for females. They are sometimes seen incised with Greek letters and symbols that seem to suggest a cryptic onomata barbara formula. In this context, they can be viewed as mystical objects with the function of transmitting a message to the Other World, and the sheer mass of letters intended to convey the idea of an authoritative communication inaccessible to ordinary human being. -
Byzantine Silver Statuette of a Saint
Circa 4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Portrayed in active pose with mantle drawn tight around the body, nimbus to the head. 4.17 grams, 23 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
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Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Formed as a quatrefoil plaque with five large bulbs to the obverse, smaller interstitial bulbs and repoussé collars; bifid loop above. 3.70 grams, 36 mm
UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
