Byzantine Silver Monogrammatic Button (No reserve price)
04
days
21
hours
14
minutes
10
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €1 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 137393 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Byzantine silver monogrammatic garment button, circa 10th–12th century AD, engraved cruciform Greek monogram within a beaded border and with an intact shank.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A fine Byzantine silver monogrammatic button, elegantly decorated with an engraved cruciform monogram enclosed within a finely beaded border. The design incorporates stylized Greek letters arranged around a central cross, forming a Christian monogram or invocational symbol, a decorative tradition well known from Byzantine lead seals (bullae), personal ornaments, and ecclesiastical objects.
Monogrammatic devices were widely employed throughout the Byzantine Empire, serving not only as decorative motifs but also as abbreviated expressions of faith and divine protection. Their use reflects the sophisticated symbolic language of Byzantine Christian art, where letters and crosses were combined into powerful devotional emblems.
The reverse preserves its original integral shank, confirming its use as a garment button for fastening fine robes, cloaks, or ceremonial dress. The silver has developed an attractive dark archaeological patina that beautifully accentuates the engraved decoration and crisp beaded rim.
Buttons of this quality are uncommon and represent an elegant example of Byzantine metalworking, combining practical function with religious symbolism.
Culture: Byzantine Empire
Date: ca. 10th–12th century AD
Material: Silver
Type: Monogrammatic garment button
Decoration: Cruciform Greek monogram within a beaded border
Condition: Excellent archaeological condition with intact shank, attractive original patina, and clear engraved decoration. Minor wear consistent with age.
An exceptional and highly collectible example of Byzantine devotional silverwork, illustrating the refined craftsmanship and symbolic artistry of the medieval Eastern Roman Empire.
A fine Byzantine silver monogrammatic button, elegantly decorated with an engraved cruciform monogram enclosed within a finely beaded border. The design incorporates stylized Greek letters arranged around a central cross, forming a Christian monogram or invocational symbol, a decorative tradition well known from Byzantine lead seals (bullae), personal ornaments, and ecclesiastical objects.
Monogrammatic devices were widely employed throughout the Byzantine Empire, serving not only as decorative motifs but also as abbreviated expressions of faith and divine protection. Their use reflects the sophisticated symbolic language of Byzantine Christian art, where letters and crosses were combined into powerful devotional emblems.
The reverse preserves its original integral shank, confirming its use as a garment button for fastening fine robes, cloaks, or ceremonial dress. The silver has developed an attractive dark archaeological patina that beautifully accentuates the engraved decoration and crisp beaded rim.
Buttons of this quality are uncommon and represent an elegant example of Byzantine metalworking, combining practical function with religious symbolism.
Culture: Byzantine Empire
Date: ca. 10th–12th century AD
Material: Silver
Type: Monogrammatic garment button
Decoration: Cruciform Greek monogram within a beaded border
Condition: Excellent archaeological condition with intact shank, attractive original patina, and clear engraved decoration. Minor wear consistent with age.
An exceptional and highly collectible example of Byzantine devotional silverwork, illustrating the refined craftsmanship and symbolic artistry of the medieval Eastern Roman Empire.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
Circa 8th - 13th Century AD.
Name of object
Silver Monogrammatic Button
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Europe
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1994
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
