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.