Late Roman-Early Byzantine Provincial Silver Engraved Ring

£ 345.00

A fine Late Roman-Early Byzantine silver octagonal ring featuring intricate decorative engraving. The ring features a regular loop and eight flat faces on the exterior. Seven of the faces feature incised curves and hemispheres, with five encased in a rectangular frame. The final face features two epigraphic symbols resembling the Latin characters ‘D’ and ‘V’, encased in a rectangular incision. Some minor wear, tarnishing and encrustations feature to the surface.

Closest UK Ring Size: Q

NB: Width measures internal diameter.

Date: Circa 5th-7th Century AD
Condition: Very fine. Some minor wear, tarnishing and encrustations to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: KW-124 Category: Tag:

Byzantine jewellery was a full continuation of the Roman traditions. Production in the old jewellery centres of Alexandria and Antioch gave way to an increased production in Constantinople. 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. The Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, discouraged the wearing of any jewellery at all. However, they did permit Christians to wear one ring: rings with the seal of a family, a wedding ring, or rings bearing Christian symbols and inscriptions were deemed acceptable.

To find out more about the Byzantine world, please see our relevant blog post: The Byzantine Empire: Art and Christianity.

Weight 3.36 g
Dimensions W 1.9 cm
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Reference: For a similar style,The Metropolitan Museum of Art, item 17.191.97

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