Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze bust pendant - 3 cm (No reserve price)
03
days
21
hours
14
minutes
43
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Current bid
€ 300
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
 | €300 |
|---|
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Late Roman/Early Byzantine bronze bust pendant, 3 x 2 cm, 12.97 g, in excellent condition, dating to the 3rd–6th centuries AD, acquired in 2025 from Germany with provenance tracing to a gallery in Spain since 1987 and including authenticity documentation.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Miniature Bronze Amulet or Pendant in Human Form (Bust Pendant/Amulet)
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 3 x 2 cm
Weight: 12.97 g
Condition: Excellent with a natural oxidation layer consistent with age.
This bronze piece represents a half-figure of a human being, featuring prominent facial features and clear eyes. A hanging hole is integrated above the head, suggesting it was intended for use as a personal amulet or pendant.
The face exhibits a simplified artistic style typical of small bronze pieces meant for personal use, while the back displays a distinct hollow, a result of the ancient techniques employed in its production. A natural oxidation layer also covers the surface, giving it a distinctive antique appearance.
Based on its form and artistic style, the piece can be classified into several related possibilities, including:
* A personal bronze amulet used for protection or blessing.
* A pendant representing a human figure or symbol.
* * A small votive pendant, worn or offered for religious or symbolic purposes.
* A miniature representation of a figure with religious, mythological, or protective significance.
Date:
Likely from the Late Roman or Early Byzantine period, approximately between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD.
This piece is a beautiful example of a small bronze amulet or pendant that combined decorative and symbolic function, and holds historical and artistic value for collectors of antiquities and artifacts.
Condition: Excellent.
Acquired in 2025 from NUMIMANICA PRADOS, Spain, at the Madrid Numismatic Fair held on 27 June 2025.
Provenance:
The piece was previously part of a private collection in Spain, where it had been acquired from an art gallery in 1987.
This rare piece is accompanied by the original purchase invoice, Certificate of Authenticity, and Spanish Export Certificate.
Miniature Bronze Amulet or Pendant in Human Form (Bust Pendant/Amulet)
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 3 x 2 cm
Weight: 12.97 g
Condition: Excellent with a natural oxidation layer consistent with age.
This bronze piece represents a half-figure of a human being, featuring prominent facial features and clear eyes. A hanging hole is integrated above the head, suggesting it was intended for use as a personal amulet or pendant.
The face exhibits a simplified artistic style typical of small bronze pieces meant for personal use, while the back displays a distinct hollow, a result of the ancient techniques employed in its production. A natural oxidation layer also covers the surface, giving it a distinctive antique appearance.
Based on its form and artistic style, the piece can be classified into several related possibilities, including:
* A personal bronze amulet used for protection or blessing.
* A pendant representing a human figure or symbol.
* * A small votive pendant, worn or offered for religious or symbolic purposes.
* A miniature representation of a figure with religious, mythological, or protective significance.
Date:
Likely from the Late Roman or Early Byzantine period, approximately between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD.
This piece is a beautiful example of a small bronze amulet or pendant that combined decorative and symbolic function, and holds historical and artistic value for collectors of antiquities and artifacts.
Condition: Excellent.
Acquired in 2025 from NUMIMANICA PRADOS, Spain, at the Madrid Numismatic Fair held on 27 June 2025.
Provenance:
The piece was previously part of a private collection in Spain, where it had been acquired from an art gallery in 1987.
This rare piece is accompanied by the original purchase invoice, Certificate of Authenticity, and Spanish Export Certificate.
Details
Culture
Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Century/timeframe
3rd-6th centuries AD.
Name of object
bust pendant
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
3 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1987
Width
2 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
3 cm
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.
