Byzantine Lead leaf Amulet (No reserve price)
05
days
13
hours
47
minutes
07
seconds
Starting 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
No bids placed
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Byzantine lead leaf amulet dating from circa 8th–13th century AD, in excellent condition, authentic/original and professionally mounted as a wearable pendant from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This rare and intriguing Byzantine lead amulet embodies the rich symbolic language of the medieval Eastern Mediterranean, where Christian devotion often coexisted with older traditions of protection, fertility, and divine blessing.
The reverse features a beautifully rendered palm branch, one of the most enduring symbols of Byzantine Christianity. The palm represented victory over death, eternal life, spiritual triumph, and the promise of Paradise, while also recalling the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. As a devotional emblem, it conveyed hope, renewal, and divine favor.
Cast in lead, a material commonly employed for Byzantine pilgrim souvenirs and personal devotional objects, the pendant preserves its authentic medieval character with a richly textured surface and centuries-old patina. Carefully converted into a wearable pendant, it now allows its remarkable symbolism to be appreciated as both a historical artifact and an elegant piece of wearable heritage.
Condition: Ancient condition with age-related wear, burial patina, and surface encrustations consistent with its considerable age. Professionally mounted as a wearable pendant while preserving the integrity and authenticity of the original artifact.
A highly unusual and visually striking Byzantine amulet that beautifully reflects the spiritual and symbolic world of the medieval Eastern Mediterranean.
This rare and intriguing Byzantine lead amulet embodies the rich symbolic language of the medieval Eastern Mediterranean, where Christian devotion often coexisted with older traditions of protection, fertility, and divine blessing.
The reverse features a beautifully rendered palm branch, one of the most enduring symbols of Byzantine Christianity. The palm represented victory over death, eternal life, spiritual triumph, and the promise of Paradise, while also recalling the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. As a devotional emblem, it conveyed hope, renewal, and divine favor.
Cast in lead, a material commonly employed for Byzantine pilgrim souvenirs and personal devotional objects, the pendant preserves its authentic medieval character with a richly textured surface and centuries-old patina. Carefully converted into a wearable pendant, it now allows its remarkable symbolism to be appreciated as both a historical artifact and an elegant piece of wearable heritage.
Condition: Ancient condition with age-related wear, burial patina, and surface encrustations consistent with its considerable age. Professionally mounted as a wearable pendant while preserving the integrity and authenticity of the original artifact.
A highly unusual and visually striking Byzantine amulet that beautifully reflects the spiritual and symbolic world of the medieval Eastern Mediterranean.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
Circa 8th - 13th Century AD.
Name of object
Lead leaf Amulet
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.
