Byzantine Marble Globular vessel with birds and grape vines. 5,7 cm H. Byzantine, c. 300 BC - 200 DC






Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
| €393 | ||
|---|---|---|
| €100 |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 121899 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Globular vessel with birds and grape vines
- exquisite details -
Byzantine, c. 300 BC - 200 DC
Marble
5,7 cm height and 5,5 cm diameter
Condition: Good state, see photos.
Provenance: Ex. Private collection, R. P. (1928 - 2013), Barcleona, formed bettween 1950 - 1990. [old inventory number 5912] Thence by descent.
In Byzantine art, birds and vines are motifs charged with deep spiritual and religious symbolism. These decorative elements, present in mosaics, textiles, ceramics and metal objects, evoke themes of eternal life, divine abundance and the promised paradise.
The Symbolism of Birds
Birds in Byzantine art often represent human souls on their journey to salvation or divine messengers connecting heaven and earth. Doves, for example, are symbols of the Holy Spirit, while other birds, such as peacocks, represent immortality due to the belief in the regeneration of their feathers. In a funerary context, birds often appear as guardians of the soul or evocations of the heavenly paradise.
The Meaning of Vines
Vines and their branches are deeply associated with Christianity, referring to the biblical passage in John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches”. This motif symbolizes the connection between Christ and his followers, eternal life and spiritual fruitfulness. The vines, with their winding intertwining and laden with grapes, also evoke the Eucharist and Christ's sacrifice.
The Union of Motifs
When birds are depicted perched on vines, the combination highlights the image of heavenly paradise, a place of peace, abundance and communion with the divine. These designs not only embellished everyday and liturgical objects, but also conveyed a clear theological message, reminding believers of the promise of redemption and immortality.
This iconography highlights the symbolic richness of Byzantine art, where decorative details become powerful vehicles of faith and spirituality.
Note:
- According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
- Up to 6,000 euros: 5%.
- From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
Seller's Story
Globular vessel with birds and grape vines
- exquisite details -
Byzantine, c. 300 BC - 200 DC
Marble
5,7 cm height and 5,5 cm diameter
Condition: Good state, see photos.
Provenance: Ex. Private collection, R. P. (1928 - 2013), Barcleona, formed bettween 1950 - 1990. [old inventory number 5912] Thence by descent.
In Byzantine art, birds and vines are motifs charged with deep spiritual and religious symbolism. These decorative elements, present in mosaics, textiles, ceramics and metal objects, evoke themes of eternal life, divine abundance and the promised paradise.
The Symbolism of Birds
Birds in Byzantine art often represent human souls on their journey to salvation or divine messengers connecting heaven and earth. Doves, for example, are symbols of the Holy Spirit, while other birds, such as peacocks, represent immortality due to the belief in the regeneration of their feathers. In a funerary context, birds often appear as guardians of the soul or evocations of the heavenly paradise.
The Meaning of Vines
Vines and their branches are deeply associated with Christianity, referring to the biblical passage in John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches”. This motif symbolizes the connection between Christ and his followers, eternal life and spiritual fruitfulness. The vines, with their winding intertwining and laden with grapes, also evoke the Eucharist and Christ's sacrifice.
The Union of Motifs
When birds are depicted perched on vines, the combination highlights the image of heavenly paradise, a place of peace, abundance and communion with the divine. These designs not only embellished everyday and liturgical objects, but also conveyed a clear theological message, reminding believers of the promise of redemption and immortality.
This iconography highlights the symbolic richness of Byzantine art, where decorative details become powerful vehicles of faith and spirituality.
Note:
- According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
- Up to 6,000 euros: 5%.
- From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
Seller's Story
Details
Disclaimer
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.
