Byzantine Lead Seal (Bulla) of Manuel II Palaiologos (1391–1425) Material: Lead Object Type: Document Seal (Bulla) Culture: Byzantine Empire Period/Date: Late 14th to early 15th century (Palaiologan Dynasty) Language: Medieval Greek Description This is a well-preserved Byzantine lead seal (bulla), a type of official stamp used by the imperial administration to authenticate correspondence and state documents. The piece features a prominent circular beaded border on both sides, enclosing a religious icon on the obverse and a multi-line imperial inscription on the reverse. Obverse (Iconography) The obverse depicts a facing bust of Jesus Christ (Christ Pantokrator). He is shown with a cruciform nimbus (halo), raised in a gesture of blessing with his right hand while holding the book of Gospels in his left. To the left and right of his shoulders, the standard Greek abbreviation IC — XC (Iesoús Christós) is partially visible in the field. Reverse (Inscription) The reverse bears a clear, multi-line inscription in Byzantine Greek epigraphy. The text presents the official imperial titles and name of the ruler, incorporating traditional formulas of divine right. Key readable lines include: ΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ (Manuel) ΔΕCΠΟΤΗC / ΒΑCΙΛΕΥC (Despot / Basileus - Emperor) ΡΩΜΑΙΩΝ (Rhomaion - "of the Romans") ΠΑΛΑΙΟΛΟΓΟC (Palaiologos) ΕΝ ΧΡΙCΤΩ (En Christo - "In Christ") Historical Context Based on the epigraphy and the combination of the name Manuel with the Palaiologan dynastic moniker and imperial titles, this seal is attributed to the Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos (or a high-ranking member of his immediate family/court). These heavy lead seals were attached to documents via cords passed through a central channel, serving as an irreplaceable mark of imperial authority during the final centuries of the Byzantine Empire. Lead seal weighing 58 grams with a diameter of 63 mm. Previously part of a private collection in Spain, acquired in 1993 from an antiquities dealer/gallery. The sale includes: * Original invoice * Certificate of authenticity * Provenance documentation