Byzantine Bronze Byzantine Bronze Mould / Die for the Manufacture of a Cross Pendant
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€ 11
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Byzantine bronze mould or die for the manufacture of a cross pendant, from the Middle Byzantine period (circa 9th–12th century AD), in excellent condition, weighing 15.7 g and measuring 28.2 × 20.9 mm, acquired in 2025 from Austria from a private European collection and bearing authentic original status.
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Description from the seller
Byzantine Bronze Mould / Die for the Manufacture of a Cross Pendant
Middle Byzantine Period, circa 9th–12th century AD
Material: Bronze
Weight: 15.7 g
Dimensions: 28.2 × 20.9 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A fascinating and very rare Byzantine bronze mould or die used in the manufacture of a Christian cross pendant, providing an exceptional glimpse into the workshops and craftsmanship of the Middle Byzantine world.
The working face is deeply engraved with the negative design of an elaborate cross. Its carefully arranged cavities form the arms and decorative elements of the cross, including a distinctive series of rounded and drop-shaped recesses. The pronounced upper extension corresponds to the suspension area of the intended pendant. The reverse is largely flat and displays a remarkable series of regular notches along the edges, an interesting technical feature associated with the manufacture and handling of the tool.
Unlike the numerous Byzantine crosses and pendants that have survived, the tools used by Byzantine craftsmen to produce such objects are considerably rarer. This makes the present piece particularly interesting: rather than representing the finished devotional object, it belongs directly to the process by which Christian jewellery was manufactured.
During the Middle Byzantine period, the cross was among the most important symbols of personal Christian devotion. Cross pendants were worn close to the body not merely as jewellery, but as visible expressions of faith and, in many cases, as objects carrying protective and devotional significance.
Bronze moulds and dies formed part of the equipment of specialised metalworkers and jewellers. Comparable Byzantine bronze moulds for pendant crosses are known from important collections and have appeared at major international auction houses, including examples dated to around the 10th century AD. Such parallels demonstrate the use of durable metal matrices in the production of precious and non-precious Christian ornaments.
Particularly appealing is the connection between this modest bronze workshop tool and the finished jewellery of Byzantine society. Repeated use of a mould or die such as this could allow a craftsman to reproduce the same sacred design, transforming the engraved negative image into crosses intended to be worn by Byzantine men and women centuries ago.
The compact dimensions, clearly preserved cross design, attractive ancient surface and unmistakable character as a craftsman's tool make this an unusual and highly collectable piece of Byzantine material culture.
A very rare surviving instrument of Byzantine jewellery production – not simply a Christian artefact, but a tool once used to create Christian artefacts.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Byzantine Bronze Mould / Die for the Manufacture of a Cross Pendant
Middle Byzantine Period, circa 9th–12th century AD
Material: Bronze
Weight: 15.7 g
Dimensions: 28.2 × 20.9 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A fascinating and very rare Byzantine bronze mould or die used in the manufacture of a Christian cross pendant, providing an exceptional glimpse into the workshops and craftsmanship of the Middle Byzantine world.
The working face is deeply engraved with the negative design of an elaborate cross. Its carefully arranged cavities form the arms and decorative elements of the cross, including a distinctive series of rounded and drop-shaped recesses. The pronounced upper extension corresponds to the suspension area of the intended pendant. The reverse is largely flat and displays a remarkable series of regular notches along the edges, an interesting technical feature associated with the manufacture and handling of the tool.
Unlike the numerous Byzantine crosses and pendants that have survived, the tools used by Byzantine craftsmen to produce such objects are considerably rarer. This makes the present piece particularly interesting: rather than representing the finished devotional object, it belongs directly to the process by which Christian jewellery was manufactured.
During the Middle Byzantine period, the cross was among the most important symbols of personal Christian devotion. Cross pendants were worn close to the body not merely as jewellery, but as visible expressions of faith and, in many cases, as objects carrying protective and devotional significance.
Bronze moulds and dies formed part of the equipment of specialised metalworkers and jewellers. Comparable Byzantine bronze moulds for pendant crosses are known from important collections and have appeared at major international auction houses, including examples dated to around the 10th century AD. Such parallels demonstrate the use of durable metal matrices in the production of precious and non-precious Christian ornaments.
Particularly appealing is the connection between this modest bronze workshop tool and the finished jewellery of Byzantine society. Repeated use of a mould or die such as this could allow a craftsman to reproduce the same sacred design, transforming the engraved negative image into crosses intended to be worn by Byzantine men and women centuries ago.
The compact dimensions, clearly preserved cross design, attractive ancient surface and unmistakable character as a craftsman's tool make this an unusual and highly collectable piece of Byzantine material culture.
A very rare surviving instrument of Byzantine jewellery production – not simply a Christian artefact, but a tool once used to create Christian artefacts.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
circa 9th–12th century AD
Name of object
Byzantine Bronze Mould / Die for the Manufacture of a Cross Pendant
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Austria
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Austria
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.
