Byzantine Terracotta Architectural Plaque with Floral Rosette Motif - 27 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 900 - € 1,400
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Byzantine architectural terracotta plaque, a 27 cm square piece with a central eight-petalled floral rosette in a rectangular frame, dating to the 6th century AD and featuring diagonal reverse grooves for mortar adhesion; authentic Original/official, in fair condition, provenance from a private German collection and acquired in 2025.
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Description from the seller
Square architectural terracotta plaque in relief, decorated with a central eight-petalled floral rosette enclosed within a rectangular frame. The finely modelled ornament consists of elongated lanceolate petals radiating symmetrically from a central opening, creating a balanced and elegant decorative composition.
The reverse features the characteristic diagonal incised grooves, designed to improve adhesion to mortar. These reinforcement grooves are typical of architectural terracotta plaques produced in Byzantine North Africa.
Architectural plaques of this type were used to decorate the walls and façades of Late Antique and Byzantine ecclesiastical and secular buildings. Comparable examples are known from the Craveri Collection and other museum collections. According to current research, this specific type is confined to the former North African province of Byzacena, particularly the region around Kairouan and Thysdrus (modern El Djem).
Well preserved. Minor edge chips and small losses, with surface wear consistent with age. The reverse retains the original diagonal anchoring grooves. Overall in an authentic state of preservation with an attractive ancient surface.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. Documented in Germany by 1970 and subsequently retained in continuous family ownership.
Square architectural terracotta plaque in relief, decorated with a central eight-petalled floral rosette enclosed within a rectangular frame. The finely modelled ornament consists of elongated lanceolate petals radiating symmetrically from a central opening, creating a balanced and elegant decorative composition.
The reverse features the characteristic diagonal incised grooves, designed to improve adhesion to mortar. These reinforcement grooves are typical of architectural terracotta plaques produced in Byzantine North Africa.
Architectural plaques of this type were used to decorate the walls and façades of Late Antique and Byzantine ecclesiastical and secular buildings. Comparable examples are known from the Craveri Collection and other museum collections. According to current research, this specific type is confined to the former North African province of Byzacena, particularly the region around Kairouan and Thysdrus (modern El Djem).
Well preserved. Minor edge chips and small losses, with surface wear consistent with age. The reverse retains the original diagonal anchoring grooves. Overall in an authentic state of preservation with an attractive ancient surface.
Provenance:
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. Documented in Germany by 1970 and subsequently retained in continuous family ownership.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
Byzantine Empire, 6th century AD
Name of object
Architectural Plaque with Floral Rosette Motif
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
27 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
27 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
