Medieval Bronze Exceptional Rectangular Seal Matrix – Sigillum – Jerusalem Symbolism and a Cross-Patterned Face – A (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 2
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €2 |
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Exceptional Medieval rectangular seal matrix (sigillum) in bronze with a cross-patterned face, dating to ca. 12th–15th century and featuring Jerusalem symbolism, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Small treasures bearing the traces of history
Exceptional Medieval Rectangular Seal Matrix – Sigillum – Jerusalem Symbolism and a Cross-Patterned Face – A Distinctive Collector’s Piece
Description
With its rectangular sealing face, elongated handle and transverse perforation, this seal matrix possesses a striking historical character on a small scale. Considered within a broad dating framework of approximately the 12th–15th centuries AD, it belongs to the medieval sealing tradition expressed by the Latin term sigillum. A seal impression conveyed its owner’s identity, intention and approval; a small engraved surface could represent an individual’s presence on a document.
Made from a metal alloy, probably bronze, the matrix bears a cross-shaped geometric design that invites interpretation within Christian symbolism. In this cultural setting, Jerusalem held profound significance as a destination of pilgrimage and the centre of sacred places associated with the life of Christ. This connection provides a meaningful historical perspective for considering the motif and the devotional world surrounding medieval sealing practices.
The British Museum’s medieval seal matrices and catalogues offer comparative context for the meeting of personal identity and religious imagery in sealing instruments. The perforated handle accommodates suspension by a cord. Its preserved structure, wear-softened incisions and brown-green patinated surface bring form, function and symbolic interest together for the collector.
Object Type: Handled Seal Matrix / Sigillum
Period: Medieval
Date Range: Approximately ca.12th–15th Century AD
Material: Metal Alloy, Probably Bronze
Technique: Casting and Engraving of the Sealing Face
Form: Rectangular Sealing Face, Elongated Handle and Transverse Perforation
Symbolism: Cross-shaped Geometric Design, Considered within Christian Symbolism and the Sacred Significance of Jerusalem
Condition: Preserved Matrix and Handle; Brown-green Patinated Surface with Wear to the Engraved Lines
Length: 26.23 mm ±
Width: 15.23 mm ±
Weight: 8.41 g ±
Note
★ Please consult the measurements to appreciate the piece’s actual size. Photographic framing can make objects of different dimensions appear similar in size.
Buyers wishing to receive a printed Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate may submit their request before shipment. Every shipment is dispatched with full insurance coverage. Differences in shipping charges for certain countries reflect the country-specific costs of this insured service. Warm, museum-inspired lighting was chosen to bring out the object’s surface texture, form, craftsmanship and historic character naturally. Suspension cords and other display accessories visible in the photographs complement the presentation and are not included in the sale.
Information
Surface details have been documented using high-resolution equipment. The object’s form and structural integrity have been preserved, with photographic adjustments limited to minor colour balancing.
Museum-standard technical photographs may be supplied to interested collectors during the auction. If requested before shipment, an expert assessment report and a signed ownership document prepared in the buyer’s name can be provided in PDF format within 3–5 business days.
When identifying an archaeological object, experienced museum specialists and archaeologists consider its known find context, material, form and symbols alongside museum examples and academic research; appropriate advanced laboratory examinations can provide additional scientific insight into specific questions concerning material, manufacture and dating.
The stated period, original function, symbolic meaning and material reflect academic assessments supported by typological comparisons and expert opinions. Advanced scientific analyses are separate examinations conducted beyond the scope of the sale.
Scholarly consistency, transparent communication and good faith guide every presentation; no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.
Small treasures bearing the traces of history
Exceptional Medieval Rectangular Seal Matrix – Sigillum – Jerusalem Symbolism and a Cross-Patterned Face – A Distinctive Collector’s Piece
Description
With its rectangular sealing face, elongated handle and transverse perforation, this seal matrix possesses a striking historical character on a small scale. Considered within a broad dating framework of approximately the 12th–15th centuries AD, it belongs to the medieval sealing tradition expressed by the Latin term sigillum. A seal impression conveyed its owner’s identity, intention and approval; a small engraved surface could represent an individual’s presence on a document.
Made from a metal alloy, probably bronze, the matrix bears a cross-shaped geometric design that invites interpretation within Christian symbolism. In this cultural setting, Jerusalem held profound significance as a destination of pilgrimage and the centre of sacred places associated with the life of Christ. This connection provides a meaningful historical perspective for considering the motif and the devotional world surrounding medieval sealing practices.
The British Museum’s medieval seal matrices and catalogues offer comparative context for the meeting of personal identity and religious imagery in sealing instruments. The perforated handle accommodates suspension by a cord. Its preserved structure, wear-softened incisions and brown-green patinated surface bring form, function and symbolic interest together for the collector.
Object Type: Handled Seal Matrix / Sigillum
Period: Medieval
Date Range: Approximately ca.12th–15th Century AD
Material: Metal Alloy, Probably Bronze
Technique: Casting and Engraving of the Sealing Face
Form: Rectangular Sealing Face, Elongated Handle and Transverse Perforation
Symbolism: Cross-shaped Geometric Design, Considered within Christian Symbolism and the Sacred Significance of Jerusalem
Condition: Preserved Matrix and Handle; Brown-green Patinated Surface with Wear to the Engraved Lines
Length: 26.23 mm ±
Width: 15.23 mm ±
Weight: 8.41 g ±
Note
★ Please consult the measurements to appreciate the piece’s actual size. Photographic framing can make objects of different dimensions appear similar in size.
Buyers wishing to receive a printed Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate may submit their request before shipment. Every shipment is dispatched with full insurance coverage. Differences in shipping charges for certain countries reflect the country-specific costs of this insured service. Warm, museum-inspired lighting was chosen to bring out the object’s surface texture, form, craftsmanship and historic character naturally. Suspension cords and other display accessories visible in the photographs complement the presentation and are not included in the sale.
Information
Surface details have been documented using high-resolution equipment. The object’s form and structural integrity have been preserved, with photographic adjustments limited to minor colour balancing.
Museum-standard technical photographs may be supplied to interested collectors during the auction. If requested before shipment, an expert assessment report and a signed ownership document prepared in the buyer’s name can be provided in PDF format within 3–5 business days.
When identifying an archaeological object, experienced museum specialists and archaeologists consider its known find context, material, form and symbols alongside museum examples and academic research; appropriate advanced laboratory examinations can provide additional scientific insight into specific questions concerning material, manufacture and dating.
The stated period, original function, symbolic meaning and material reflect academic assessments supported by typological comparisons and expert opinions. Advanced scientific analyses are separate examinations conducted beyond the scope of the sale.
Scholarly consistency, transparent communication and good faith guide every presentation; no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
ca.12th–15th Century AD
Name of object
Exceptional Rectangular Seal Matrix – Sigillum – Jerusalem Symbolism and a Cross-Patterned Face – A
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1996
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
