Superb 6th C. Byzantine Gilt Silver Bowls w/ Chi Rho

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description

  Near East, Byzantine, ca. 6th century CE. A shimmering testament to early Byzantine artistry: a pair of 6th-century silver bowls, their surfaces ablaze with rich gold wash. Each bowl centers on a cleverly designed tondo where delicate floral motifs form the Chi Rho (XP), a potent symbol born from the superimposition of the Greek letters chi and rho, the very first letters of Christ's name in Greek. This sacred monogram, one of Christianity's earliest emblems, is framed by a halo-like ring of gleaming gold, flanked by a pair of delicate beaded borders, created by petite punch marks. Even the flattened rims of these exquisite vessels catch the light with their gilded edges, hinting at a possible sacred purpose within an early Byzantine church, perhaps as part of a liturgical set used in holy rituals. Size (both the same): 6" Diameter x 1.5" H (15.2 cm x 3.8 cm); silver quality: 94.7%; total weight: 297 grams
  
  Provenance: private London, UK collection
  
  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.
  
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  #193827

  Condition

  Miniscule tear to rim of one and tiny indentation to rim of other. Some light bending to walls as wear as minor scratches and abrasions, but otherwise, both are intact and in excellent overall condition with impressive remaining gilding and detail. Light patina in some small areas.

• Shipping Info

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