George Katas, patrikios and strategos (second half of 11th century), bust of Saint George facing, in military dress, holding spear and shield, to left and right **, all within medallion, a circular inscription around, in Georgian, 'George, patrikios, son of Katas', rev. inscription in four lines, ** , 13.8g. (for another example see Seyrig 219), very fine

Details

George Katas, patrikios and strategos (second half of 11th century), bust of Saint George facing, in military dress, holding spear and shield, to left and right **, all within medallion, a circular inscription around, in Georgian, 'George, patrikios, son of Katas', rev. inscription in four lines, ** , 13.8g. (for another example see Seyrig 219), very fine

Lot Essay

Of provincial manufacture, this seal presents a unique combination of Greek and Georgian inscriptions. The name Katas is attested on the colophon of a manuscript, preserved at Tbilissi, dated 1035. The son of that Katas here has the title strategos, no doubt the commander of one of the numerous fortresses along the eastern frontier of the empire.