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THB6th C. Byzantine Gold Cross Pendant Garnet Cabochon
Lot 64a
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$4,000 - $6,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Oct 8, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-10-08 10:00:00
2020-10-08 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-5796
Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal,Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal,Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (353)
- Lot Description
Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A 85 to 87% gold (equivalent to 20K+) cross pendant with solid conical arms presenting hexagonal faceted sides that taper to the central garnet cabochon of a rich red hue. The garnet is set within a circular bezel that emerges from the arms, four granulated balls and a circular disc that mirrors the bezel are applied to the verso. The top arm supports the integral ribbed loop for suspension which is highlighed by a granulated ball. The Byzantine empire devoted itself to the adherence of Christian beliefs and the cross became the primary symbol of followers from all social classes. Of course the more ornate gold and bejeweled crosses, such as this one, became property of the wealthy and elite. A stunning gold pendant with glimmering radiance; strung on a modern cord with a silver-plated lobster clasp to be wearable. Size of pendant: .93" W x 1.375" H (2.4 cm x 3.5 cm); cord: 19.5" L (49.5 cm); gold quality: 85-87% (equivalent to 20K+); weight of pendant: 11.9 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, 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.
For a similar piece see Christie's New York December 2001 listing for lot number 145
Provenance: 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.
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#158900Surface wear with scuffs/nicks to garnet with deposits in recessed areas. Minor surface wear to gold as expected with age. Wearable and finely crafted!Condition
- Shipping Info
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