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Byzantine Bronze Jewellery Die with Dove

Circa 8th–12th Century AD

73.4 g; 46.6 × 12.7 mm

From a Private European Collection

An exceptionally rare and fascinating Byzantine bronze jewellery die or mould, preserving a deeply engraved matrix depicting a stylised bird, most probably a dove.

The substantial bronze tool is of compact rectangular form, with the working end carefully engraved in negative. When impressed, the matrix produces a remarkably clear relief image of the bird, revealing its curved head and beak, rounded body and finely rendered feathered plumage.

The dove held profound significance in the Christian world, where it was associated with the Holy Spirit, peace, purity and salvation. Bird and dove imagery occurs frequently in Late Antique and Byzantine personal ornament, including rings, pendants and other small objects.

Of particular interest is the object's original function. Rather than being a finished piece of jewellery, this is a surviving tool of the Byzantine craftsman – an object used in the actual production and decoration of precious objects. Such workshop equipment provides a fascinating and much more intimate insight into Byzantine metalworking than the finished jewellery which survives in considerably greater numbers.

Bronze dies and moulds were employed by Byzantine craftsmen in the manufacture of jewellery and religious ornaments, including objects worked in precious metals. Closely related Byzantine bronze moulds are known for the production of gold and silver ornaments, demonstrating the sophisticated techniques employed by Byzantine metalworkers.

The piece is remarkably substantial for its size, weighing 73.4 grams, and retains attractive dark bronze surfaces with areas of green and sandy patination. The deeply cut matrix remains particularly well preserved, allowing the original design to be clearly appreciated.

An exceptionally rare survival from a Byzantine goldsmith's or jeweller's workshop, combining early Christian symbolism, ancient craftsmanship and the tangible process by which Byzantine jewellery was created.

A highly desirable object for collectors of Byzantine art, ancient jewellery and the history of early metalworking.

Reference:

Cf. Christie's, Antiquities, Byzantine bronze mould for a pendant cross, circa 10th century AD, for a closely related class of bronze jewellery-working tool (Hammer price GBP 3,750 on 6th October 2011).

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