Medieval Silver Pendant - 5 cm (No reserve price)
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Rare Byzantine Silver Pendant Depicting the Archangel Michael
Period: 10th - 14th Century A.D
Material: Silver.
Weight: 12.56 g.
Dimensions:
* Height: 5 cm.
* Width: 5 cm.
* Thickness: 2 cm.
Description
A rare Byzantine silver pendant of circular form with its original suspension loop preserved. The obverse features a finely executed relief depiction of the Archangel Michael, one of the most revered celestial figures in Byzantine Christian tradition.
The Archangel is portrayed facing forward with a serene expression, surrounded by a prominent halo. Large stylized wings extend on either side of the figure, a characteristic feature of Byzantine representations of angelic beings. The figure is dressed in flowing garments with carefully rendered folds reflecting the refined artistic traditions of Byzantine religious iconography.
The composition is enclosed within a raised dotted border, a decorative motif frequently encountered on Byzantine devotional pendants and religious medallions. Beside the halo are traces of Greek letters, likely representing an abbreviated form of the name Michael (ΜΙΧΑΗΛ), the Greek name of the Archangel Michael.
In Byzantine Christianity, the Archangel Michael was venerated as the commander of the heavenly hosts, protector of the faithful, and defender against evil. His image was widely used on devotional objects, amulets, and religious pendants intended for personal protection and spiritual devotion.
The reverse is plain and undecorated, while the pendant retains an attractive aged surface and patina consistent with its historical age. The obverse preserves significant original detail, particularly in the facial features, halo, wings, and drapery.
Condition
Very good archaeological condition with expected age-related wear and surface deposits. The principal iconographic details remain well preserved and clearly visible.
A rare piece worthy of acquisition.
Formerly owned in Spain (as part of a private collection), it was acquired in 1987 from a German antique gallery/specialist dealer.
This rare pendant comes accompanied by the original purchase invoice and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Rare Byzantine Silver Pendant Depicting the Archangel Michael
Period: 10th - 14th Century A.D
Material: Silver.
Weight: 12.56 g.
Dimensions:
* Height: 5 cm.
* Width: 5 cm.
* Thickness: 2 cm.
Description
A rare Byzantine silver pendant of circular form with its original suspension loop preserved. The obverse features a finely executed relief depiction of the Archangel Michael, one of the most revered celestial figures in Byzantine Christian tradition.
The Archangel is portrayed facing forward with a serene expression, surrounded by a prominent halo. Large stylized wings extend on either side of the figure, a characteristic feature of Byzantine representations of angelic beings. The figure is dressed in flowing garments with carefully rendered folds reflecting the refined artistic traditions of Byzantine religious iconography.
The composition is enclosed within a raised dotted border, a decorative motif frequently encountered on Byzantine devotional pendants and religious medallions. Beside the halo are traces of Greek letters, likely representing an abbreviated form of the name Michael (ΜΙΧΑΗΛ), the Greek name of the Archangel Michael.
In Byzantine Christianity, the Archangel Michael was venerated as the commander of the heavenly hosts, protector of the faithful, and defender against evil. His image was widely used on devotional objects, amulets, and religious pendants intended for personal protection and spiritual devotion.
The reverse is plain and undecorated, while the pendant retains an attractive aged surface and patina consistent with its historical age. The obverse preserves significant original detail, particularly in the facial features, halo, wings, and drapery.
Condition
Very good archaeological condition with expected age-related wear and surface deposits. The principal iconographic details remain well preserved and clearly visible.
A rare piece worthy of acquisition.
Formerly owned in Spain (as part of a private collection), it was acquired in 1987 from a German antique gallery/specialist dealer.
This rare pendant comes accompanied by the original purchase invoice and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
10th - 14th Century A.D
Name of object
Pendant
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Material
Silver
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1987
Width
5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
