No. 100232444

Sold
Byzantine Bronze Very Beautiful Monogrammatic Talisman Ring with Crosses  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 135
3 days ago

Byzantine Bronze Very Beautiful Monogrammatic Talisman Ring with Crosses (No reserve price)

This authentic Byzantine bronze ring represents a classic example of monogrammatic and apotropaic personal jewellery, uniting identity, Christian belief, and protective symbolism in a single object worn close to the body. The bezel bears an engraved monogram, composed of intersecting linear strokes arranged in a compact, geometric field. In the Byzantine world, monograms functioned as personal identifiers, devotional invocations, or sacred abbreviations, often representing the name of the wearer or a Christological formula. Such engravings were not merely decorative; they acted as protective signs, invoking divine oversight. On both shoulders of the band, engraved crosses are clearly visible. The cross was the most potent apotropaic symbol in Byzantine culture, believed to repel evil forces, avert misfortune, and safeguard the wearer spiritually and physically. The symmetrical placement of the crosses suggests intentional design, reinforcing protection from all directions. The ring’s solid bronze construction, with a slightly tapering band and restrained decoration, reflects everyday yet meaningful Byzantine metalwork. Bronze rings of this type were widely worn by lay elites, clergy, and devout individuals, functioning as talismans, seals, and expressions of faith rather than luxury adornments. Weight: 2.68g, Height: 20mm Culture: Byzantine Date: 7th–10th Century AD Material: Bronze

No. 100232444

Sold
Byzantine Bronze Very Beautiful Monogrammatic Talisman Ring with Crosses  (No reserve price)

Byzantine Bronze Very Beautiful Monogrammatic Talisman Ring with Crosses (No reserve price)

This authentic Byzantine bronze ring represents a classic example of monogrammatic and apotropaic personal jewellery, uniting identity, Christian belief, and protective symbolism in a single object worn close to the body.

The bezel bears an engraved monogram, composed of intersecting linear strokes arranged in a compact, geometric field. In the Byzantine world, monograms functioned as personal identifiers, devotional invocations, or sacred abbreviations, often representing the name of the wearer or a Christological formula. Such engravings were not merely decorative; they acted as protective signs, invoking divine oversight.

On both shoulders of the band, engraved crosses are clearly visible. The cross was the most potent apotropaic symbol in Byzantine culture, believed to repel evil forces, avert misfortune, and safeguard the wearer spiritually and physically. The symmetrical placement of the crosses suggests intentional design, reinforcing protection from all directions.

The ring’s solid bronze construction, with a slightly tapering band and restrained decoration, reflects everyday yet meaningful Byzantine metalwork. Bronze rings of this type were widely worn by lay elites, clergy, and devout individuals, functioning as talismans, seals, and expressions of faith rather than luxury adornments.

Weight: 2.68g, Height: 20mm

Culture: Byzantine

Date: 7th–10th Century AD

Material: Bronze

Final bid
€ 135
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200

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