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LOT 2124
Stuart Period Bronze Four-Way Seal Matrix
CIRCA 17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (26.2 grams, 39 mm).
Comprising four trumpet-shaped arms radiating from a central cube, each with a discoid head; motifs comprising: an agnus dei (lamb and flag), a two-headed spread eagle, a stag passant, a cockerel, each in a beaded border.
ProvenanceFound Lincolnshire, UK.
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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Spanish Gold Ring with a Table-Cut Red Spinel
16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,700
A substantial ring with a box-shaped bezel set with a table-cut red spinel of deep purplish-red hue, the reverse of the bezel convex with chamfered ends. 6.93 grams, 24.30 mm overall, 17.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2 , USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12996-245986.
The box bezel is typical of both Spanish and Islamic goldsmithing traditions. The small pointed projection at the rear of the hoop, however, is not a common feature in Spanish rings but is a distinctive hallmark of Islamic goldwork — a form ultimately rooted in Middle Eastern traditions of the Sasanian, Fatimid, and Mamluk periods. This detail likely reached Spain through the transmission of techniques from the Middle East into Islamic North Africa, and subsequently into the goldsmithing repertoire of al-Andalus. These forms were adapted by Spanish goldsmiths to accommodate the tastes of a Christian clientele, reflecting the deep and enduring influence of Islamic craftsmanship in post-Reconquista Spain. -
Western Asiatic Style Frog and Duck Weight Group
20th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £85
Comprising: red hardstone weight with incuse bird image to underside; carved agate weight; serpentine bead in the form of a frog. 59 grams total, 30-33 mm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Reproduction Silver-Gilt Byzantine Icon of Christ's Baptism
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Representing the Epiphany (the Manifestation) of Jesus Christ; Jesus standing in the river, wearing a small loincloth made from a knotted tallit, recognisable by its striped edge; the rocky landscape of the Jordan valley temporarily breaking open and river becoming a vast whirlpool; from the left bank John reaching towards Jesus and blessing his cousin; four angels look on holding towels; above, the dove of the Holy Spirit with three rays of light; above the inscription Η ΒΑΠΤHCΙC (the Baptism). 110 grams, 26 x 20 cm
925 silver
Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
The Gospel of Mark describes the voice of God announcing: ‘Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased’ (Mark 1: 11). This is the theoretical moment after which Jesus becomes known as Christ and John becomes known as the Baptist.
