Lot 83

Byzantine Brass Bracelet - Avian Medallion Design

Previous image preload Next image preload

Byzantine Brass Bracelet - Avian Medallion Design

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $300

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#176796

  • Condition: Heavy weathering to surface. Clasp is heavily encrusted and no longer functions. Trace remains of decorative detail and rich patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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