Byzantine Gold Bangle with Crosses and Garnets

$3,475.21

An exquisite penannular Byzantine bangle, decorated in its centre with a vertical frieze of plated gold and granulation, forming triangular shapes and flanked with granulated Greek crosses. Both of its terminals are enriched with beautiful deep-red garnet insets.

Date: Circa 6th century AD
Provenance: From the property of a London gentleman; formerly in an important collection of Christian art, acquired after 1970.
Condition: Very fine condition, few encrustations on the central section and a small depression on the gold of the bracelet.

SOLD

SKU: CG-21 Category: Tags: , , ,

Byzantine jewellery was a continuation of Roman traditions. As in many other cultures throughout history, Byzantine jewellery acted not only as an embellishment, but most importantly as a direct display of someone’s wealth and social status. Interestingly, it also acted as a diplomatic tool. Christian religion was very much at the heart of Byzantine culture, politically, socially and artistically. It was an empire run as a theocracy, ruled by God working through the Emperor, and political ideals were largely informed by Christian values. This permeated visual culture as well, not only in terms of art that was explicitly religious in its purpose.  With Christian religion becoming the primary religion across the Byzantine Empire, Christian iconography became an extremely popular decorative motif displayed on many smaller decorative items and wares. Crosses were the first Christian imaginary to appear on earrings, rings and necklaces, while depiction of saints, angels and the Virgin appeared around the 6th century AD.

To discover more about Byzantine art, please visit our relevant blog post: The Byzantine Empire: Art and Christianity.

Weight 13.99 g
Dimensions W 7.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Semi-Precious Stones

Region

You may also like…