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LOT 0361
Medieval Bronze Incense Burner
GERMANY, CIRCA 1200 A.D.
6 in. (686 grams total, 15.3 cm high).
Hollow-formed two-part casting; base cup-shaped with basal ring and six radiating flanges with nimbate figures between, three rings to the rim; cover of similar shape with rings and flanges, openwork interstitial panels each with a tall standing figure beside a shorter one with vegetation, at the apex a slotted tube and knop finial. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceCollection of Melissa Minervino Gabardi (1943-2021), Milan.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13510-262838.
Cf. a comparable incense burner in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, inv.no. 09.152.5
FootnotesSince early Christian times, the burning of incense during church services has symbolised prayers rising to heaven, which was particularly visible in the Eastern Liturgy. The censer's architectural form is enriched by the animal and human figures that adorn its surface.
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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LOT 0361
Medieval Bronze Incense Burner
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Medieval Bronze Purse Bar with Frame
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Elliptical round-section frame with attachment loops to the reverse, hinged bar to the top with cuboid mount, heater shield to each face one with pile motif and the other with chevron and pellets; frame repaired. 141 grams, 20 cm
Found Romney Marsh area, Kent, 1990-2015. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. -
Medieval Bronze Seal Matrix for Lambert
Circa 12th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With short bulbous shank, loop and broad disc below, central rosette motif and legend to order '+ S’ LANBERT HELOC'; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 7.47 grams, 17 mm
Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent. -
Medieval Lead Seal Matrix of William Son of Ansell
Circa 1200-1300 A.D.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Circular seal matrix with an eight-pointed star or flower as the central device, surrounded by a retrograde legend reading '+S'WILL'I FIL' ANSELLI-' with the final symbol being a place filler, translating to 'seal of William son of Ansell', the reverse with an incomplete suspension lug and an inked collector's note; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 14.7 grams total, 28 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Brookland, Kent, UK. Property of a Kent gentleman, a specialist medieval collector. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.KENT-FAD34F.
