A Byzantine Bronze Steelyard and Weight, circa 5th Century A.D

Auction Closed

December 5, 03:41 PM GMT

Estimate

12,000 - 18,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

the rod with measuring scale of square section graduated on three sides, attachment plate fitted for three suspension rings, and faceted knobed terminals, the support for objects to be weighed composed of a separate semicircular collar attached to a U-shaped bar supporting two chains, one with remaining hook, the weight now emptied of its lead and cast in the form of the bust of an empress holding a scroll in her left hand and her mantle with her right hand, and wearing bracelets(?), necklace, and pendant earrings, her hair surmounted by a massive diadem with rectangular protrusions and arranged in a broad plait lifted over the back and crown of the head, incised and punched-circle decoration overall.

Length of rod 49.5 cm.; height of weight 14.6 cm.

acquired in East Jerusalem in 1967

Sotheby's, New York, December 5th, 2007, no. 97, illus.

acquired by the present owner at the above sale

For a related steelyard and weight in the form of the bust of an empress from Hrirosotira see Ivna Hritsov, "An Early Byzantine Bronze Steelyard Weight with the Bust of an Empress", Journal of the National Historical Museum Sofia, vol. 32, 2020, pp. 280-290. A similar bronze steelyard with weight in the form of a bust of Athena was sold at Sotheby's, New York, June 12th, 2001, no. 104, and is now in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, acc. no. 2001.546.1-4.

Published

Sotheby's, London, December 6th, 2022, no. 36