No. 105463680

Sold
Byzantine Silver Monogrammatic Button  (No reserve price)
Final bid
€ 42
No reserve price
7 weeks ago

Byzantine Silver Monogrammatic Button (No reserve price)

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.

No. 105463680

Sold
Byzantine Silver Monogrammatic Button  (No reserve price)

Byzantine Silver Monogrammatic Button (No reserve price)

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.

Final bid
€ 42
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200

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