In Anglo Saxon England – and on the European continent – expensive and bejewelled buckles were the main item of male jewellery especially for noblemen during the 7th century. The first buckles were made from bronze and were produced ubiquitously, with widespread usage across many cultures. During the Byzantine Era, skilled craftsmen produced aesthetically simple buckles demonstrating the quality of the workmanship. Different metalwork methods such as hammered, embossed and gilding were applied to enrich pieces of jewellery, including buckles, which in turn would display the owners wealth and status.
Early Byzantine Bronze Buckle
$43.23
A fine Early Byzantine buckle cast from bronze. This particular example features openwork – with a palmette shape openwork plate – displayed on the buckle’s tongue which is attached to a bar with a rectangular buckle loop. An engraved groove emphasises the heart shaped plate. The original pin and hinge mechanism is still in tact. The original attachment loops on the underside have been damaged. Beautiful green patination covers the item’s surface.
Provenance: From a Surrey gentleman's collection (DG), purchased on the London Art Market from an ADA member, formed 1990's onward.
Condition: Very fine condition, with original hinge mechanism remaining. Traces of green patina are present on the surface.
SOLD
| Weight | 8.63 g |
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| Dimensions | L 4.3 x W 2.3 cm |
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