Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1743

Reliquary Bronze Cross Pendant with Dark Age Inscription to Reverse

CIRCA 8TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.

2 7/8 in. (31.77 grams, 72 mm).

Of Byzantine type, obverse with low-relief Corpus Christi; reverse with enigmatic legend '[?] NIXIXIN'. [No Reserve]

Provenance

Ex R Ungar, Parthenon Gallery, London, UK, 2006.
From an important North London, UK, private collection

Footnotes

The reverse may bear a blundered attempt at the 'INRI' legend which appears in Byzantine and Late Roman art, for Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum 'Jesus King of the Jews'.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1743

Reliquary Bronze Cross Pendant with Dark Age Inscription to Reverse

Sold for (Inc. bp): £572

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Merovingian Bronze Ring with Boars Head
    Merovingian Bronze Ring with Boar's Head
    500-700 A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £111

    Comprising a slender hoop and a discoid bezel with a stylised boar. 3.99 grams, 21.38 mm overall, 20.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



    Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

    The ring belongs to the Type 4a of Hadjadj classification. The image is reminiscent of Celto-Roman iconography, although the boar was also a totemic symbol of various Germanic warriors.

    Lot Details

  • Merovingian Bronze Ring with Facing Figure
    Merovingian Bronze Ring with Facing Figure
    6th-7th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £111

    Comprising a round-section hoop with keeled shoulders, with pointillé decoration; a lentoid bezel with pointillé border and central facing figure. 6.34 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



    Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

    The image is reminiscent of Celtic (Gaulish) divine iconography, and these kinds of rings were in fact found in Gallo-Roman graves, belonging to the Gallo-Roman population under Carolingian rule.

    Lot Details

  • Migration Period Silver Buckle and Mount Collection
    Migration Period Silver Buckle and Mount Collection
    6th-8th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £72

    Including kidney-shaped and other types, with openwork stiffener plate, strap end and other items. 26.34 grams total, 16-30 mm



    Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list