Lot 58
**Originally Listed At $300**
Ancient Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 9th century CE. A finely crafted Byzantine brass bracelet featuring a pair of central medallions with incised avian motifs, now softened by time yet still discernible. The bracelet is formed from a circular band that broadens at its midpoint into two conjoined roundels, each engraved with stylized birds in profile, a motif deeply symbolic in Byzantine art. Birds in this context often symbolized the soul, spiritual ascent, or paradise, evoking the promise of salvation central to Byzantine Christian thought. The band itself is joined at the shoulders with simple hinge-like perforations, suggesting it was made to be lightweight and functional while retaining elegance. The rich green and brown patina across the surface speaks to its centuries of burial and preservation, enhancing the tactile presence of the piece. Size: 2.8" L x 2.1" W (7.1 cm x 5.3 cm)
Such bracelets were not only personal ornaments but also carriers of protective symbolism, their motifs believed to safeguard the wearer. Comparable examples can be found in the Byzantine collections of the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, attesting to the popularity of zoomorphic imagery in personal adornments of the period.
Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#176796
- Condition: Heavy weathering to surface. Clasp is heavily encrusted and no longer functions. Trace remains of decorative detail and rich patina throughout.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |