Property from a Private Collection
A Byzantine Bronze Steelyard and Weight, circa 5th century A.D.
Auction Closed
December 6, 03:36 PM GMT
Estimate
18,000 - 22,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
Property from a Private Collection
A Byzantine Bronze Steelyard and Weight
circa 5th century A.D.
the rod with measuring scale of square section graduated on three sides, attachment pl♈ate 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.
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 , ﷽;with recent bibliography). A similar bronz🔯e 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 ().]