Lot 81C
Ancient Near East, Byzantium, ca. 9th to 12th century CE. A stunning gold cross - comprised of 87% gold, equivalent to 20K+ - the upper face covered with decorative granulation. Note that the granules are arranged in a balanced manner with triangular clusters and singular granules adorning the arms - at the center, more granulation decorating a circular boss, all set in a symmetrical design - and the entire form surrounded by a strand of granules. At the top is a tripartite suspension loop. Meaningful and opulent. Size: 1.5" H (3.8 cm); Precious metal quality: 87% gold, equivalent to 20K+; Weight: 6.5 grams.
The Byzantine period was a time of intense religiosity and immense wealth concentrated in religion. On the backdrop of the Crusades and the split between the Eastern and Western branches of the Church, religious jewelry like this played a significant role. Not only did it symbolize one's status, it also served as a diplomatic tool. Interestingly, Emperor Justinian established laws (later called the Justinian Code) that among other things regulated the wearing of jewelry. He stated that sapphires, pearls, and emeralds were reserved for the emperor; however, every free man was actually entitled to wear a gold ring. This suggests widespread popularity of jewelry. After all, such a law would not have been necessary if jewelry had been a strictly aristocratic luxury. Indeed, wealth abounded in the Byzantine Empire. There were gold mines within its borders. What's more, its geographical location was ideal for trade between the East and the West. Hence, individuals of various pursuits including military officers, traders, as well as high officials reporting to the emperor would all have been able to afford luxurious jewelry.
Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 25, p. 10, discussion p. 3). Curator Sarah E. Cox presented it in the "Dressed to Impress" section of this exhibition. According to Dr. Cox, "All classes of women in the ancient world wore jewelry, which was considered both as adornment and as visible evidence of wealth. Many of the surviving pieces, particularly earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, were preserved because they were buried with the deceased. Others were accidentally lost in baths or toilets, or due to the vicissitudes of nature and war."
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; Exhibited and published in catalogue for "Dressed to Kill in Love and War: Splendor in the Ancient World" (February 1 - March 31, 2019 - Academy Museum, Easton, Maryland, USA, fig. 25, p. 10, discussion p. 3); ex-Madame Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s
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#146270
- Condition: Expected areas of slight indentation. Most if not all of the granules are present. A wonderful and wearable piece.
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