A few examples of appraisal values for
BYZANTIUM

• Islamic or Byzantine: a group of
  Islamic or Byzantine: a group of four early ceramic bowls the coarse pale body of each with black decoration on turquoise glaze together with a very unusually decorated bowl of similar shape but with a cowled brown figure bearing a staff with cross finial tan glaze.
• BYZANTINE, JOHN I 963-969 BRONZE
  BYZANTINE, JOHN I 963-969 BRONZE Cherson mint.
• PERSIA, BYZANTIUM, ISLAM; BOOKS, 10
  PERSIA, BYZANTIUM, ISLAM; BOOKS, 10 Group of books on Persia, Byzantium, and Islam, 10, and comprising: Wheeler Thackston, "The Baburnama"; Wheeler Thackston "A Century of Princes"; Dick Davis (trans.) "Fathers and Sons; stories from the Shahnahmeh"; Blair and Bloom, "The Art and Architecture of Islam, 1250-1800"; A. Cecil Edwards "The Persian Carpet" ; Hossein Amirsadeghi, "Different Sames: New Perspectives in Contemporary Iranian Art"; Roloff Beny "Persia; Bridge of Turquoise" -; Helen Evans "Byzantium and Islam"; John Thompson, "Hunt for Paradise, Court Arts of Safavid Iran 1501-1576"; and Assouline's "Le Livre des Mille Nuits et une Nuit." 12.25" H x 10.25" W (the largest)
• Byzantine or Byzantine Style Icon
  Byzantine or Byzantine Style Icon (possibly 11th century or later) Christ in Majesty, within a central cartouche flanked by four creatures derived from Ezekial's vision and which later represented the Four Gospel Writers, tempera on thick gesso or plaster and backed with linen and wood panel, panel 25-5/8 x 49-1/2 in., overall 35-3/8 x 60 in.; possibly later paint-decorated frame with Byzantine motifs,
• Daniel Hodermarsky (American
  Daniel Hodermarsky (American 1924-1999) "Byzantium". Mixed Media and collage on masonite gold leaf signed and dated 1963 in the lower right framed with a wide linen liner overall apprx. 21-1/2" x 25-1/2".
• Byzantine Style (Italian, 19th
  Byzantine Style (Italian, 19th century or earlier), Sca Erasha (St. Erasma), tesserae mosaic, 16 x 13 in., 19th century wood frame,
• TRANSLATED BYZANTINE MOSAIC
  TRANSLATED BYZANTINE MOSAIC GEOMETRIC MOTIF W/ CROSSNear East or Europe, Byzantine / Early Christian Period, possibly southern Spain, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A riveting mosaic presenting an elaborate, abstract pattern surrounding a central Greek cross with an inscription, all meticulously delineated in ochre, emerald, black, white, powder blue, and scarlet stone tesserae. Hypnotizingly complex, the decorative program consists of a central Greek cross with several multi-colored borders surrounded by an intricate design of concentric squares within a meander motif. The top of the mosaic is embellished with 2 lines of Greek script, which translate to, "Everything here is [the work of] Bishop Isidore / The fount of glory, the good leader." Size: 80" W x 60" H (203.2 cm x 152.4 cm) Considering the inclusion of the central cross motif, this mosaic would have decorated a church. Its inscription is perhaps a reference to Archbishop Isidore of Seville (560 to 636 CE), who was a Spanish scholar and cleric credited with the conversion of the Arian Visigothic kings to Christianity through assimilation and the resources of education. With this in mind, this example could have once decorated a church constructed by newly-converted Visigoths, who credited Bishop Isidore with their newfound religiosity - hence stating that "everything here is [the work of] Bishop Isidore." The mosaic may have then been removed from the Visigothic church during the Umayyad conquest of Hispania of 711 CE. Mosaics (opus tesellatum) are some of our enduring images from the Byzantine world, not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also because they reveal what Byzantine people chose to depict and see every day decorating their private and public spaces. Though evolved from Hellenistic and Roman styles, mosaics were developed into a unique and powerful form of personal and religious art under the Byzantine empire, thus exerting a strong influence on the Islamic art created in Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, as well as the Ottoman Empire. Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #170792 Condition: Ancient tesserae set in a honeycomb matrix. Losses to some tesserae in areas. Expected surface wear as shown, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments.
• BYZANTINE GOLD FINGER RING
  BYZANTINE GOLD FINGER RING EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, 6TH CENTURY A.D. cast gold, the face with an engraved scene from the life of Christ, possibly healing the sick, accompanied by a bespoke mount1.8cm wide, UK ring size K, 7.2grProvenance: Private collection, London, acquired New York art market
• 300+ ROMAN, BYZANTINE, & ISLAMIC
  300+ ROMAN, BYZANTINE, & ISLAMIC COPPER / BRONZE COINSNear East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 5th to 14th century CE; Roman, Imperial Period, 1st to 5th century CE; Near East, Islamic, ca. 10th to 13th century CE. A great collection of over 300 copper and bronze coins from some of the world's greatest ancient and medieval civilizations. This collection has dozens of similarly sized coins that could be used for crafting unique pieces of jewelry, or simply enjoying the fascinating history of these currency pieces. Earthen and mineral deposits are scattered across the coins, adding layers of patina. Size of larger coin: 1" Diameter (2.5 cm); average coin size: 0.65" W (1.7 cm); total weight: 1753.9 grams Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #148414 Condition: Coins range from F to G. Edge splitting and clipping to peripheries on some. Faces are rubbed and indiscernible on some, and others have clearer faces. Great variety of sizes and types. Nice patina on many with rich earthen deposits.
• TWO VINTAGE BYZANTINE STYLE HAND
  TWO VINTAGE BYZANTINE STYLE HAND PAINTED ICONS, CHRIST PANTOCRATOR AND SAINT GEORGE apprx. 10" x 7 ¼" each Hand painted in polychrome two copies of ancient Byzantine icons, on gold leaf background, after original in Athens Museum (Christ Pantocrator (16th c.) and Saint George (16th c.); certificates attached on the back of each icon. Provenance: old private collection, acquired in Athens, Greece, in mid 1970's-1980's.
• BEAUTIFUL BYZANTINE GOLD & GARNET
  BEAUTIFUL BYZANTINE GOLD & GARNET OPENWORK NECKLACENear East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A dazzling and wearable gold necklace consisting of a figure-8 loop-in-loop chain with an orb-shaped pendant at the center and a pair of openwork rondels flanking a twisted hook clasp. The stunning pendant is comprised of 2 rows of braided gold loops connected by 5 circular, cabochon bezels - 4 of garnet and 1 paste glass - at the midsection. Circular gold sheets with undulating peripheries lie at the interior of the top and bottom of the orb, while an additional garnet bezel adorns the exterior of the bottom, and an ample suspension loop extends from the top. Each rondel is embellished by an openwork quatrefoil motif formed via 4 spiraling, slender gold ribbons. An exemplary ornament - replete with ancient artistic talent and modern stylistic taste! Size (of chain): 22.5" L (57.2 cm); Size (of orb pendant): 0.7" W x 1" H (1.8 cm x 2.5 cm); Gold quality: 90% (equivalent to over 21 karats); Weight: 23.5 grams The Byzantine period was a time of intense religiosity and immense wealth devoted to religion. On the backdrop of the Crusades and the split between the Eastern and Western branches of the Church, religious jewelry like this played a significant role. Not only did it symbolize one's status, but it also served as a diplomatic tool. Interestingly, Emperor Justinian established laws (later called the Justinian Code) that among other things regulated the wearing of jewelry. He stated that sapphires, pearls, and emeralds were reserved for the emperor; however, every free man was actually entitled to wear a gold ring. This suggests widespread popularity of jewelry, and indeed, wealth abounded in the Byzantine Empire, there were gold mines within its borders, making gold more easily accessible. What's more, its geographical location was ideal for trade between the East and the West. Hence, individuals of various pursuits including military officers, traders, as well as high officials reporting to the emperor would all have been able to afford luxurious jewelry. This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques. Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #159440 Condition: Wearable as shown. One garnet bezel on side of orb replaced with glass, as mentioned. Otherwise, remarkably well preserved and in excellent condition.
• BYZANTINE MOSAIC PANELByzantine
  BYZANTINE MOSAIC PANELByzantine Mosaic Panel, Antioch, Eastern Roman Empire, 3rd-4th century AD Dimensions: 61 1/2 x 57 1/2 in. (156.2 x 146.1 cm.) Provenance: with L' Antiquaire and The Connoisseur, Inc. New York; Private Collection (a Michael Smith Installation.) Condition: Missing approximately ten of the tesserae. Scatted gaps between tesserae. Several tesserae worn, chipped and rough. Appears to be stable in setting.
• PAIR OF HELLENISTIC AND BYZANTINE
  PAIR OF HELLENISTIC AND BYZANTINE GOLD PENDANTS C. 3RD CENTURY BCE - 5TH CENTURY AD the Hellenistic pendant with central garnet and dual pearl drops below; the Byzantine pendant with a seated pair, dual garnets to the sides and loop for attachment above(2)3cm wideProvenance:Private collection, United Kingdom, formed over the past forty years, formerly with Brigantia Antiques, York
• BYZANTINE STYLE STERLING SILVER
  BYZANTINE STYLE STERLING SILVER ICONOld Byzantine style icon sterling silver icon inscribed VIRGIN MARY JERUSALEM in arched wood frame with easel back along with hole for hanging. Certificate applied to backside. Approx. 3.25 x 2.75 in.
• BYZANTINE MARBLE FUNERARY STELE
  BYZANTINE MARBLE FUNERARY STELE c. 300-500 CE, carved marble fragment with figure in low relief, sticker label to underside inscribed "Excavated from site of Hippodrome, Istanbul", with Parke-Bernet Galleries lot sticker to underside, 10"h x 6.25"w x 2.5"d
• 9TH C. BYZANTINE SILVERED BRONZE
  9TH C. BYZANTINE SILVERED BRONZE PROCESSIONAL CROSSNear East, Holyland, Byzantine Period, ca. 9th to 12th century CE. A beautiful bronze and leaded bronze processional Latin crucifix finial with silver gilt trim and incised motifs along the peripheries. The flared arms are adorned with pairs of spherical and ribbed adornments projecting from the corners to ornament and protect the seams of the silver border. A repeating motif of incised circles and dots embellishes the 65% silver edges on the forward face- outlining the arms and central circle. The lower arm is surmounted on a thick panel or tang handle for hafting to a pole when carrying in a procession or to display on an altar as a sacred devotional piece. Size: 11.25" W x 20.3" H (28.6 cm x 51.6 cm); 22.25" H (56.5 cm) on included custom stand; silver quality: 65%. The Byzantine Empire was established in the 4th century CE when the Emperor Constantine, also known as Saint Constantine, Christianized the Roman Empire and pronounced the city of Constantinople in Byzantium as the capital. The visual culture of this era demonstrates a synthesis of classical Greek, Roman, and Christian influences. Ornate crucifixes were used for processions of military and imperial display, as well as liturgical, and mounted within the church before the altar. The cross would have been familiar to all citizens, a universal and omnipresent symbol of the pious, Christian culture. For a similar example please see the British Museum's website, object number: 1998,1105.20. A very similar example with more ornate brass appliques hammered for GBP 18,500 ($24,147.18) at Christie's, London "Icons and Artefacts from the Orthodox World" Auction (sale 7542, November 26, 2007, lot 45) Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #170776 Condition: Professionally repaired and restored. Tang panel is reattached to lower arm with adhesive. Loss to tip and tearing / flaking to panel peripheries. Six of the spherical finials a are reattached with adhesive and new welding to upper arm tips. Losses to silver gilt and repairs using tin to approximately 50% of silver areas. Professionally cleaned, and lovely green and russet patina throughout.
• SUPERB BYZANTINE GOLD CROSS W/
  SUPERB BYZANTINE GOLD CROSS W/ GARNET CABOCHONNear East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A lovely 89% gold (equivalent to 21K+) cross pendant with solid conical arms presenting hexagonal faceted sides that taper slightly as they meet at the circular bezel housing a wine red garnet cabochon. An integral loop is attached on the top of the arm for suspension. The religious art from this time period reflected Christian beliefs, and the cross replaced the previous Roman Christogram, becoming a widespread religious symbol during the Byzantine empire. This gold pendant was perhaps created for an elite individual to display both wealth and religious devotion. Strung on a modern cord with a silver-plated lobster clasp to be wearable. Size of pendant: 1.06" W x 1.18" H (2.7 cm x 3 cm); cord: 19.5" L (49.5 cm); gold quality: 89% (equivalent to 21K+); total weight: 10 grams The Byzantine period was a time of intense religiosity and immense wealth devoted to religion. On the backdrop of the Crusades and the split between the Eastern and Western branches of the Church, religious jewelry like this played a significant role. Not only did it symbolize one's status, but it also served as a diplomatic tool. Interestingly, Emperor Justinian established laws (later called the Justinian Code) that among other things regulated the wearing of jewelry. He stated that sapphires, pearls, and emeralds were reserved for the emperor; however, every free man was actually entitled to wear a gold ring. This suggests widespread popularity of jewelry, and indeed, wealth abounded in the Byzantine Empire, there were gold mines within its borders, making gold more easily accessible. Cf. an ornate example that hammered for $10,575 at Christie's, New York "Ancient Jewelry" auction (sale 9826, December 5, 2001, lot 143). This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques. Provenance: private Bel Air, Maryland, USA collection, acquired October 23, 2020; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #168374 Condition: Minor surface wear commensurate with age, otherwise intact and excellent. Strung on a modern cord with a modern silver-plated lobster clasp to be wearable.
• EUROPEAN SCHOOL: VIEW OF OLD
  EUROPEAN SCHOOL: VIEW OF OLD CONSTANTINOPLE Watercolor on paper 12 3/4 x 10 in. with penciled notation and artist's monogram.
• BYZANTINE STYLE GILT BRONZE
  BYZANTINE STYLE GILT BRONZE RELIQUARY PENDANT Possibly of the era (12th c. CE or later), embossed and engraved silvered and gilt bronze, comprised of four roundels engraved on the outer side and embossed on the inner face, each depicting a station of the cross and other religious scenes, encircled in Greek text, hinged to a central roundel, the pieces open to form a cross, and fold and nest into a pendant with latch, hook, and hanging ring on outer sections, 2.5"dia (closed
• A carved rock crystal icon in the
  A carved rock crystal icon in the Byzantine style approx.5 x 3.5 cm.
• BYZANTINE POTTERY JAR - UNIQUE
  BYZANTINE POTTERY JAR - UNIQUE FORM, INCISED MOTIFSNear East, Holyland, Byzantine Period, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A lovely pottery jar of unique form, presenting a cup-like body that rises to a sloped shoulder and a raised rim, all sitting upon a flared, ring-form foot. The fascinating vessel is beautifully adorned with incised linear motifs along its exterior walls; note how one side remarkably resembles a Byzantine depiction of a menorah! Though formed from clay of a warm orange hue, nice tan-colored earthen deposits scatter the surface. Size: 4.2" Diameter x 4.1" H (10.7 cm x 10.4 cm) Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #156918 Condition: Repair to area of foot and shoulder, with resurfacing and overpainting along break lines. Encrustations within some recessed details and light fading to pigment. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining detail and nice earthen deposits throughout.
• BRAUN AND HOGENBERG - MAP OF
  BRAUN AND HOGENBERG - MAP OF CONSTANTINOPLEGeorg Braun and Frans Hogenberg, Byzantium Nunc Constantinopolis , Cologne, circa 1572, in two sheets, engraving on laid paper, sheet 14 x 20 in.; carved gilt wood frame, 15-3/4 x 21-3/4 in. Provenance: Private Florida Collection Condition: laid down on board, some fading along join line, scattered staining throughout, loss right (fields area), some areas of possible retouch (especially at top margin)
• HUGE 10TH C. BYZANTINE BRONZE
  HUGE 10TH C. BYZANTINE BRONZE PROCESSIONAL CROSSAncient Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A gorgeous cast-bronze processional cross with flaring arms that terminate in pairs of circular knobs engraved with roundels of rosettes encircled by a stippled 'beaded' border. The arms of the cross are further incised with stylized geometric motifs, additional roundels of rosettes with 'beaded' borders, and a wonderful beaded/stippled border along the entire periphery. At the center of the cross is a large circular bezel, perhaps intended for a stone or glass inlay. There is also a band of perforations lining the lower ends of the horizontal arms; perhaps additional ornaments were once suspended from these. Finally, MHXHA is inscribed at the lower end. Replete with a rich green- and russet-hued patina, this is a beautiful example from ancient Byzantium! Size: 15" W x 27.875" H (38.1 cm x 70.8 cm); 28.875" H (73.3 cm) on included custom stand. The Byzantine Empire was established in the 4th century CE when the Emperor Constantine, also known as Saint Constantine, Christianized the Roman Empire and pronounced the city of Constantinople in Byzantium as the capital. The visual culture of this era demonstrates a synthesis of classical Greek, Roman, and Christian influences. This cross was made at a time when tremendous effort and innovation went into creating art with Christian themes. Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #157166 Condition: Missing one circular knob/roundel on upper arm and inlay in central circular bezel. Old repair to lower arm where lower section was reattached. Minor nicks to peripheries of tip/lower end of handle. Nicks/chips/tears to periphery of central circular bezel and diagonal fissure across the circular face within. Areas of encrustation to verso as shown. Wonderful rich age patina. Incised decorative motifs are very nice.
• BYZANTINE STYLE ORTHODOX POSSIBLY
  BYZANTINE STYLE ORTHODOX POSSIBLY SILVER OKLAD PRINT ON WOOD TRAVEL ICON OF SAINT CONSTANTINE AND HELEN, 3 5/8 X 3 1/8 IN. (9.21 X 7.94 CM.)Byzantine Style Orthodox Possibly Silver Oklad Print on Wood Travel Icon of Saint Constantine and Helen,, Dimensions: 3 5/8 x 3 1/8 in. (9.21 x 7.94 cm.)
• BYZANTINE STYLE ORTHODOX POSSIBLY
  BYZANTINE STYLE ORTHODOX POSSIBLY SILVER OKLAD PRINT ON WOOD TRAVEL ICON OF SAINT CONSTANTINE AND HELEN, 3 5/8 X 3 1/8 IN. (9.21 X 7.94 CM.)Byzantine Style Orthodox Possibly Silver Oklad Print on Wood Travel Icon of Saint Constantine and Helen,, Dimensions: 3 5/8 x 3 1/8 in. (9.21 x 7.94 cm.)
• BYZANTINE STYLE PAINTED ICON
  BYZANTINE STYLE PAINTED ICON PANAGIA GLYKOPHILOUSByzantine style painting on canvas mounted to wood panel, Virgin Mary with Christ Child, overall: approx 15.5"h, 11.5"w, 2.75lbs
• AN ANTIQUE BYZANTINE ICON WITH
  AN ANTIQUE BYZANTINE ICON WITH VIRGIN, CHRIST AND SAINTS Tempera and gold leaf on panel, unsigned, 19th century; painted with four main images including the Virgin & Child, Christ Pantocrator, the Beheading of John the Baptist and the Unexpected Joy; retains export stamp from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania to verso.
• BYZANTINE STYLE PLASTER CAST
  BYZANTINE STYLE PLASTER CAST RELIEF(European, 11th century style) The Ascension, a fragment cast in the mid to late 19th century from an original 11th century relief, incised on bottom edge with number "58182", pencil inscriptions verso, 5 x 3-1/2 x 3/4 in. Note: Collections of plaster casts were prominent in museums and especially in the mid to late 19th century. Rooms were specifically set up for these casts. In 1867, a cast exchange was established after the Convention for Promoting Universally Reproductions of Works of Art for the Benefit of Museums of All Countries . These plaster casts represented high artistry in the craft of mold making, casting, and finishing. It made available study collections of rare and important objects, especially from antiquities and early periods of sculpture, architecture, and decorative objects. For and important cast collection see the Victoria and Albert Museum at https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/cast-collection Condition: surface wear, repaired chip lower right corner, other small chips
• BYZANTINE FIRE GRENADE, CIRCA
  BYZANTINE FIRE GRENADE, CIRCA 11TH-16TH CENTURY ADFor your consideration is an ancient Byzantine Fire Grenade, circa 11th-16th century AD, Provenance: Private collection Big Sky, Montana. Greek fire, also referred to as liquid fire, Roman fire and fire of war, was the most famous weapon of the Byzantine arsenal. An incendiary device successfully used in both attack and defensive situations, the powerful weapon played a crucial role in the defense of the Byzantine Empire, ensuring its long survival. The precise composition of Greek fire remains unknown to this day, though research suggests that petroleum was a vital ingredient making the liquid impervious to water. Byzantine grenades appeared around the reign of Leo III (717-741 AD) as an alternative method to utilize Greek fire in battle. These ceramic explosive jars became popular during the crusades (11th-13th century AD) and were used until the Mamluk era (13th-16th century AD). Their average size and the presence of a grip on some examples suggest that the vessels were thrown by hand, thus used in short-range conflicts. These features however, do not exclude the use of Byzantine grenades in long-distance battles. The vessels were most likely hurled at the enemy by catapults or trebuchets and either ignited before release or set alight by fire arrows after the impact. Made from heavy clay, Byzantine grenades varied in both shape and size. The vessels typically feature a bulbous or piriform (pear-shape) body with a short cylindrical neck and a small aperture to the top for filling which would have accommodated a fuse to instigate the explosion. This Byzantine grenade is amazingly good overall condition, exterior has raised scale-like bosses upper section. Concentric circles decorate the lower half which culminates in a protruding knob. No obvious marring observed. Measures 4"H x 3.5" diameter approximately. Weight approximate 1lb
• EARLY BYZANTINE MARBLE CAPITAL W/
  EARLY BYZANTINE MARBLE CAPITAL W/ PILLAR SECTIONNear East, Early Byzantine Period, ca. 4th to 6th century CE. A beautifully preserved example of a column and capital cut from a single piece of radiant marble. The column shaft is unfluted and polished to show off the fine light gray natural veining within the marble. The capital is carved with elegant relief motifs of foliage as well as stylized acanthus leaves with pointed lobes and slightly curved tips. Smaller scale columns and capitals, like this one, were generally used in the nave colonnades of Byzantine churches. A lovely example perfect as a display of classical architectural artistry. Size: 7" W x 27.5" H (17.8 cm x 69.8 cm); 33" H (83.8 cm) on included custom stand. This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques. Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #159674 Condition: Shaft is a fragment of a larger piece as shown. Chips and surface abrasions to column and abrasions to capital with some softening of details, but overall well preserved.
• PAIR OF HUGE BYZANTINE STONE
  PAIR OF HUGE BYZANTINE STONE MOSAICS W/ GEOMETRIC MOTIF...Near Eastern, Eastern Empire, Early Byzantine Period, ca. 7th century CE. An opulent pair of ornamental floor or wall mosaics, each of a massive, rectangular form and featuring an ornate design delineated in thousands of square, rectangular, and triangular stone tesserae of mauve, citron, white, and black hues. Both panels boast identical, intricate motifs comprised of intersecting circles forming quatrefoils and stylized crosslets. The petal of each flower is adorned by a yellow square containing 5 black tesserae, while the field between each flower displays a white square with concave peripheries and a black quatrefoil inside. Size of largest mosaic (both about the same): 35.3" W x 70.7" H (89.7 cm x 179.6 cm); Size of largest frame (both about the same): 37.6" W x 73.8" H (95.5 cm x 187.5 cm) Mosaics (opus tesellatum) are some of our enduring images from the Roman world, not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also because they reveal what Romans chose to depict and see every day decorating their private and public spaces. This example is abstract in its intention and presents the ancients' keen eye for design and fascination with geometry. In the Roman province of Syria, which encompassed most of the ancient Near East/Levant, mosaics seem to have developed as a popular art form relatively late, with most finds coming from the 3rd century CE or later. Syria was one of Rome's wealthiest provinces, but it was also far removed from Rome itself and Roman culture was overlaid on enduring cultural traditions from Hellenistic Greece and the great civilizations that came before it. For example, Antioch-on-the-Orontes (modern day Antakya, Turkey), was the capital of northern Roman Syria, and its excavations in the 1930s revealed more than three hundred mosaic pavements. Popular mosaic themes from this region were often mythological or religious scenes, depicting gods and goddesses; however, sometimes mosaics were created to fit the theme of a building or room. The geometric pattern of intersecting circles seen in these examples was tremendously popular throughout the Eastern Empire. According to archeologist Zeidoun Al-Muheisen and art historian Mohammad Nassar, "The intersecting circles motif became widespread in Jordan during the Byzantine period. One example is in the southern intercolumniation and the southern aisle of the nearby Khirbet al-Bediyeh church (640). A similar example is at Madaba, in the north intercolumnar panel of the church of the Apostles (578). Others are in the north aisle of the church of Bishop Leontios at Ya'amun at Rehab in the apse of the church of Saint Menas (635), and at Gerasa in the chancel of the Bishop Marianus chapel (570). This motif too is a good deal older, found in the Hellenistic period and common throughout the Roman period. One example is in the Hospitalia of Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli (118). Others are in Turkey: one is in Terrace House 2 at Ephesus (late III/early IV). Three are at Aphrodisias: in the Basilica (365–380), where the intersecting circles are dark blue and the quatrefoils are white and yellow with white, while the crosslet on the central curvilinear is dark blue; in the North Room of the Temenos Complex (350–375), where again the central quatrefoils are decorated with crosslets similar to those at Ras ed-Deir; and in Room 5 of the Priest’s House (mid-V), where the centers of the quatrefoils have small crosslets." (Al-Muheisen, Zeidoun & Nassar, Mohammad. 2014. "Geometric Mosaic Pavements at Ras ed-Deir, Jordan." Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies. 54. pgs. 98-99.) Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-private European collection, acquired between 1970 to 1980; ex-private Lebanon collection, imported to US in 1988 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #170084 Condition: Expected surface wear, commensurate with age. A few small areas of missing tesserae. Otherwise, excellent and superbly preserved. The mosaic is mounted on honeycomb, an expensive but useful process that lightens the piece by two thirds for ease of handling and display.
• RUSSIAN "BYZANTINE CRUCIFIXION"
  RUSSIAN "BYZANTINE CRUCIFIXION" BRONZE ICONDESCRIPTION: A Russian Bronze Crucifix Icon titled "The Byzantine Crucifixion" embellished with religious iconography and Russian inscriptions at the top. The verso is further decorated with floral etched patterns. Comes with Argentinian and Russian COA. CIRCA: 19th Cent. ORIGIN: Russia DIMENSIONS: H: 7.9" W: 4.25" CONDITION: Great condition. See lot description for details on item condition. More detailed condition requests can be obtained via email (info@akibaantiques.com) or SMS (305) 333-4134. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Akiba Antiques shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
• TWO ANTIQUE BYZANTINE ICONS ON
  TWO ANTIQUE BYZANTINE ICONS ON PANEL 19th century, the first in tempera with gold leaf embellishment, incised frieze border, depicting St. Zinoviya, St. Prophet Iliya (St. Elias or Elijah), and probably St. Dimitri (Demetrius of Thessaloniki), with Christ above (10 5/8 x 8 5/8 in.); the second in oil on panel, depicting a portrait bust of a saint, with image of Christ to upper left (11 7/8 x 9 in.). Both appear unsigned and retain Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania labels to verso.
• A gold and enamel pendant icon in
  A gold and enamel pendant icon in the Byzantine style 3.5cm diameter. Provenance Sotheby's 14/2/95.
• MONUMENTAL BRONZE BYZANTINE REVIVAL
  MONUMENTAL BRONZE BYZANTINE REVIVAL CHANCEL LAMP Monumental bronze Byzantine Revival chancel lamp, circa 1910s, with scrolling tripartite chain mount, the issuant openwork chains with links alternating with oval-framed Greek crosses mounted with multicolored cabochon glass "gems" (losses), the chains supporting an impressive openwork censer-form lamp molded with Byzantine crosses and pierced foliate scrollwork, the bottom section engraved "The Gift Of / Clarence Carlin." 58" H x 22" diameter.
• AN ANTIQUE BYZANTINE ICON, THE
  AN ANTIQUE BYZANTINE ICON, THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 19th century, tempera and gilt on panel, appears unsigned, the composition center with two saintly bishops holding the "True and Life Giving Cross," flanked by Saint Helena and her son Roman Emperor Constantine, all posed in front of the Church of the Holy Resurrection, retains a signed Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania stamp to verso.