BYZANTINE BRONZE AND IRON CENSER DECORATED WITH SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF THE VIRGIN Ca. AD 600 - 700. A bronze censer with a hemispherical bowl, suspended by three chains connected to a suspension aperture. The bowl is adorned with a continuous relief depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin. The upper rim is plain and features three evenly spaced loops for chain attachment. The chains are composed of interlocking round links, with decorative elements placed at regular intervals, including spherical bells with incised patterns and crosses with concentric circles. The suspension element at the top is designed as a stylised animal head hook with engraved details and a pivoting connection. The base features a circular recess with a pronounced edge, further decorated with a radiating pattern, and within the recess a central rosette is present. Mounted on a custom-made display stand. For similar see: The Harvard Art Museum, Object Number 1975.41.140; The Menil Collection, 1999-01 DJ. Size: 770mm x 135mm; Weight: 5.24kg Provenance: Private London collection, acquired in 2001 in London; originated from a private UK collection from the 1940s-1950s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. Comes with an original 1950s album photograph. This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy.