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Byzantine pilgrim flask (Ampulla) of Saint Menas and Greek inscription
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Description
ITEM: Pilgrim flask (Ampulla) of Saint Menas and Greek inscription
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Byzantine
PERIOD: 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 100 mm x 65 mm (without stand)
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired between 1960 - 1980
PARALLEL: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number 17.194.2291
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
The Saint Menas pilgrim flasks, originating from the Byzantine period (roughly 5th to 7th centuries CE), are iconic clay vessels used by Christian pilgrims who visited the shrine of Saint Menas in Egypt. Saint Menas was a revered Christian martyr, and his shrine, located in Abu Mena near Alexandria, was a major pilgrimage site during the Byzantine era. Pilgrims would purchase these flasks at the shrine to carry home holy water or oil, believed to have healing and protective properties. These flasks served not only as religious souvenirs but also as physical reminders of the spiritual journey.
Typically made of terracotta, the Saint Menas pilgrim flasks are small, flat, and round with a pair of handles on either side of the body for easy portability. The flasks were often stamped with images of Saint Menas, who is usually depicted standing with outstretched arms, flanked by two camels. This imagery refers to the legend of his death and burial, in which camels miraculously carried his body to its final resting place. The flask's design was both symbolic and functional, encapsulating the holiness of the relics pilgrims brought back.
These flasks provide valuable insights into the religious practices and devotional culture of Byzantine Christianity. They reflect the importance of pilgrimage in the lives of early Christians and illustrate the role of material objects in fostering a connection between the faithful and the divine. The widespread distribution of these flasks, discovered across the Mediterranean, indicates the far-reaching influence of Saint Menas' cult and the vibrant exchange of religious practices within the Byzantine world.
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Byzantine
PERIOD: 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 100 mm x 65 mm (without stand)
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired between 1960 - 1980
PARALLEL: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number 17.194.2291
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
The Saint Menas pilgrim flasks, originating from the Byzantine period (roughly 5th to 7th centuries CE), are iconic clay vessels used by Christian pilgrims who visited the shrine of Saint Menas in Egypt. Saint Menas was a revered Christian martyr, and his shrine, located in Abu Mena near Alexandria, was a major pilgrimage site during the Byzantine era. Pilgrims would purchase these flasks at the shrine to carry home holy water or oil, believed to have healing and protective properties. These flasks served not only as religious souvenirs but also as physical reminders of the spiritual journey.
Typically made of terracotta, the Saint Menas pilgrim flasks are small, flat, and round with a pair of handles on either side of the body for easy portability. The flasks were often stamped with images of Saint Menas, who is usually depicted standing with outstretched arms, flanked by two camels. This imagery refers to the legend of his death and burial, in which camels miraculously carried his body to its final resting place. The flask's design was both symbolic and functional, encapsulating the holiness of the relics pilgrims brought back.
These flasks provide valuable insights into the religious practices and devotional culture of Byzantine Christianity. They reflect the importance of pilgrimage in the lives of early Christians and illustrate the role of material objects in fostering a connection between the faithful and the divine. The widespread distribution of these flasks, discovered across the Mediterranean, indicates the far-reaching influence of Saint Menas' cult and the vibrant exchange of religious practices within the Byzantine world.
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ITEM: Pilgrim flask (Ampulla) of Saint Menas and Greek inscription
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Byzantine
PERIOD: 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 100 mm x 65 mm (without stand)
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired between 1960 - 1980
PARALLEL: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number 17.194.2291
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
The Saint Menas pilgrim flasks, originating from the Byzantine period (roughly 5th to 7th centuries CE), are iconic clay vessels used by Christian pilgrims who visited the shrine of Saint Menas in Egypt. Saint Menas was a revered Christian martyr, and his shrine, located in Abu Mena near Alexandria, was a major pilgrimage site during the Byzantine era. Pilgrims would purchase these flasks at the shrine to carry home holy water or oil, believed to have healing and protective properties. These flasks served not only as religious souvenirs but also as physical reminders of the spiritual journey.
Typically made of terracotta, the Saint Menas pilgrim flasks are small, flat, and round with a pair of handles on either side of the body for easy portability. The flasks were often stamped with images of Saint Menas, who is usually depicted standing with outstretched arms, flanked by two camels. This imagery refers to the legend of his death and burial, in which camels miraculously carried his body to its final resting place. The flask's design was both symbolic and functional, encapsulating the holiness of the relics pilgrims brought back.
These flasks provide valuable insights into the religious practices and devotional culture of Byzantine Christianity. They reflect the importance of pilgrimage in the lives of early Christians and illustrate the role of material objects in fostering a connection between the faithful and the divine. The widespread distribution of these flasks, discovered across the Mediterranean, indicates the far-reaching influence of Saint Menas' cult and the vibrant exchange of religious practices within the Byzantine world.
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Byzantine
PERIOD: 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 100 mm x 65 mm (without stand)
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired between 1960 - 1980
PARALLEL: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession number 17.194.2291
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.
The Saint Menas pilgrim flasks, originating from the Byzantine period (roughly 5th to 7th centuries CE), are iconic clay vessels used by Christian pilgrims who visited the shrine of Saint Menas in Egypt. Saint Menas was a revered Christian martyr, and his shrine, located in Abu Mena near Alexandria, was a major pilgrimage site during the Byzantine era. Pilgrims would purchase these flasks at the shrine to carry home holy water or oil, believed to have healing and protective properties. These flasks served not only as religious souvenirs but also as physical reminders of the spiritual journey.
Typically made of terracotta, the Saint Menas pilgrim flasks are small, flat, and round with a pair of handles on either side of the body for easy portability. The flasks were often stamped with images of Saint Menas, who is usually depicted standing with outstretched arms, flanked by two camels. This imagery refers to the legend of his death and burial, in which camels miraculously carried his body to its final resting place. The flask's design was both symbolic and functional, encapsulating the holiness of the relics pilgrims brought back.
These flasks provide valuable insights into the religious practices and devotional culture of Byzantine Christianity. They reflect the importance of pilgrimage in the lives of early Christians and illustrate the role of material objects in fostering a connection between the faithful and the divine. The widespread distribution of these flasks, discovered across the Mediterranean, indicates the far-reaching influence of Saint Menas' cult and the vibrant exchange of religious practices within the Byzantine world.
Auction 4 of Ancient Art
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03560
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3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.
3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.
3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.
8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.
8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.
8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.
8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
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Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.
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1. All ancient items offered for sale have been acquired strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO’s heritage norms, and guaranteed to be as described.
2. Our cataloguings, descriptions and certificates has been carried in accordance with their professional experience, previous investigation and checking against similar pieces catalogued in public collections, private collections or to be found in the art market.
3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.
3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.
3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
4. The bidder guarantees payment for the item(s). In case of discrepancy, the lot or lots may be offered for sale again.
5. All lots will sell to the highest bidder without hidden or confidential reserves. Prices marked as estimates (both minimum and maximum) are for reference only. The hammer price may be higher or lower depending on the demand.
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7. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A 8% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.
8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.
8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.
8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.
8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.
8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.
9. RETURN POLICY: We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. We accept returns for any reason within 90 days of you receiving your item. The item(s) must returned in the same conditions in which the received (no damage or deterioration). The expenses that could derive from the return (transport, insurance, etc) will be at the expense of the buyer.
10. On the prevention of money laundering or terrorist financing, according with directive (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843, all clients will be asked to provide proof of identification (valid passport, driving license, ID card and a proof of address) when purchasing or selling art works valued 10.000 € or more in a single or linked transaction. If you represent a company you will need to provide details of directors, evidence of incorporation and the ultimate beneficial owners.
11. QUESTIONS: For any questions, before / during and after the auction, feel free to email us: admin@yourantiquarian.com or a Whatsapp to the number +34 644811359. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.
Last update: September 13th, 2024
