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THBSuperb Byzantine Gold Cross w/ Garnet Cabochon Pendant
Lot 44
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
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$6,000 - $8,000
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
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| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Oct 22, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-10-22 10:00:00
2020-10-22 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Ancient & Ethnographic Art Through The Ages
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/ancient-ethnographic-art-through-the-ages-5850
Ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Near East, as well as Asian, Fossils, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal / Oceanic, Fine art, and much more! All categories, all price ranges... all legally acquired and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Italy and the Near East, as well as Asian, Fossils, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal / Oceanic, Fine art, and much more! All categories, all price ranges... all legally acquired and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (373)
- Lot Description
Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A 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 likely 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 of pendant: 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, 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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#158899Minor surface wear commensurate with age. Strung on a modern cord with a modern silver-plated lobster clasp to be wearable.Condition
- Shipping Info
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