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John Lampros Katasabbas (eleventh century)

 
 

Obverse

Bust of the Mother of God orans with the medallion of Christ on her chest. On either side the sigla: Μ - Θ : Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Within a border of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross: θκε,Θ, : Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει). Border of thick dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, the last line enclosed by two dots. Border of dots.

ΙΩ̅ολαμ
προσοκα
τασα
·ασ·

Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Λαμπρὸς ὁ Κατασάββας

Obverse

Bust of the Mother of God orans with the medallion of Christ on her chest. On either side the sigla: Μ - Θ : Μ(ήτηρ) Θ(εοῦ). Within a border of dots, a circular inscription beginning with a cross: θκε,Θ, : Θ(εοτό)κε β(οή)θ(ει). Border of thick dots.

Reverse

Inscription of four lines, the last line enclosed by two dots. Border of dots.

ΙΩ̅ολαμ
προσοκα
τασα
·ασ·

Ἰω(άννης) ὁ Λαμπρὸς ὁ Κατασάββας

Accession number BZS.1947.2.1173
Diameter 15.0 mm; field: 13.0 mm
Previous Editions

Cf. Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden I, no. 1014.

Translation

Θεοτόκε βοήθει. Ἰωάννης ὁ Λαμπρὸς ὁ Κατασάββας.

Mother of God, lend your aid. John Lampros Katasabbas.

Commentary

This is an odd seal. The sigla on the obverse consist of one letter each, while the final letter in the abbreviation ΘΚΕ is widely separated from the first two. There is no sign that the invocation concluded with the standard τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. The owner's name on the reverse, given in the nominative case, is grammatically unconnected with the prayer on the obverse. Nevertheless, the quality of the image and the lettering reveals the touch of a skilled engraver.