Medieval Bronze Round Seal Matrix with Spread Eagle

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. 686 grams total, 15.3 cm high



Collection 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.

Since 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.

The hoop formed as a series of lozenge plaques with vertical median stripes and interstitial rectangular plaques with similar detailing. 4.2 grams, 23.93 mm overall, 21.15 x 20.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

Heater-shaped with integral pierced suspension lug; incuse leopard passant guardant. 15.5 grams, 41.8 mm



Ex Graham Slater collection, Cambridge, 1980s-1990s.