Lot 429
**Originally Listed At $350**
Eastern Mediterranean, Late Roman to Byzantine Period, ca. 3rd to 7th century CE. A luminous set of five ancient glass bracelets, each shaped in the furnaces of late Roman or early Byzantine workshops, likely in Syro-Palestinian or Egyptian regions known for their bold palette and inventive techniques. The largest is a captivating example of mosaic glasswork, with a translucent core wrapped in twisted canes of aubergine, periwinkle, chartreuse, and white - its surface recalling the vivid millefiori styles produced around the eastern Mediterranean. At the other end of the spectrum, the smallest features a compact black body marked by impressed diagonal dashes, while a slightly larger companion, also opaque and black, bears incised vertical stripes that create a rhythmic, tactile surface. The remaining two bangles are crafted from smooth, opaque glass in shades of midnight blue and deep violet - one subtly luminous with a silvery iridescence, the other velvety and cool to the touch. Size: 3.4" L x 0.3" W (8.6 cm x 0.8 cm)
Glass jewelry such as this was both accessible and expressive in the Roman and Byzantine world, worn by women and children, merchants and villagers alike. These bracelets would have been worn singly or stacked, clinking softly with movement, serving both as personal adornment and perhaps as humble amulets. Their survival offers a glimpse into the cosmopolitan tastes and skilled artistry of provincial glassmakers who transformed molten sand into wearable color. Though each piece is modest in scale, together they form a radiant chorus of ancient elegance - whispering stories of hands once adorned, trade routes once busy, and beauty forged from fire.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#194341
- Condition: All have light surface wear commensurate with age as shown, but are otherwise, intact and excellent with silvery iridescence and weathering film in areas. Not recommended for wear due to fragile nature of glass and age.
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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 |