Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze Ancient Byzantine Christian Marriage Ring with Engraved Cross
11
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04
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Current bid
€ 175
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 430 - € 500
 | €175 | |
|---|---|---|
| €165 | |
| €155 | |
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Ancient Byzantine bronze marriage ring with an engraved cross, dating to circa 5th–8th Century AD, weighing 7.8 g with dimensions 26.8 × 25.1 × 27.0 mm and a natural patina, from a private collection and acquired in 2026 from the Netherlands.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Byzantine Christian Marriage Ring with Engraved Cross
Early Byzantine Period, circa 5th–8th Century AD
Material: Bronze
Weight: 7.8 g
Dimensions: 26.8 × 25.1 × 27.0 mm
A remarkable Ancient Byzantine bronze marriage ring, distinguished by its fascinating Christian iconography, prominently engraved bezel and beautifully preserved ancient patina.
The impressive, almost square bezel features an elaborate and carefully arranged composition of deeply engraved symbols, dominated by a central cross-shaped element reflecting the profound importance of Christianity in Byzantine society.
Particularly striking are the two symmetrically positioned oval-framed motifs in the upper section of the bezel, accompanied by additional engraved elements below. Together, they form a distinctive composition closely associated in theme with the Christian symbolism of Byzantine matrimonial jewellery.
A Sacred Bond – Marriage in the Byzantine World:
In the Byzantine Empire, marriage represented far more than a personal union. It was a sacred commitment, deeply connected with Christian faith, family traditions and the spiritual foundations of society.
Marriage rings became meaningful expressions of this bond, symbolising fidelity, devotion, unity and the enduring relationship between husband and wife.
The Christian cross occupied a particularly important place within this tradition. As the central symbol of Christianity, it represented divine blessing, spiritual protection and the sacred character of the matrimonial union.
The cross-shaped engraving on this ring provides a compelling connection to the religious traditions of the Byzantine world, while its carefully balanced decoration recalls the symbolic compositions found on early Christian marriage and betrothal rings.
An Intimate Witness to Byzantine Life:
Unlike monumental religious objects, personal jewellery offers an especially intimate connection to the people of antiquity.
A marriage ring was an object of profound personal significance, worn close to the body and associated with some of life's most important commitments.
This fascinating bronze example embodies the close relationship between religious belief, personal identity and matrimonial tradition in the Byzantine world.
Its prominent bezel, substantial circular band and deeply engraved decoration give the ring a particularly attractive and distinctive appearance.
The naturally developed brown patina, with subtle variations in colour and texture, beautifully complements the ancient bronze surface and emphasises the object's historical character.
A Remarkable Collector's Piece:
The combination of Christian symbolism, matrimonial associations, distinctive geometric engraving and impressive ancient preservation makes this ring an especially appealing addition to a collection of Byzantine antiquities.
A fascinating testament to the spiritual beliefs and marriage traditions of the early Byzantine world, preserving the atmosphere of an era in which faith and personal devotion were closely intertwined.
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.
Ancient Byzantine Christian Marriage Ring with Engraved Cross
Early Byzantine Period, circa 5th–8th Century AD
Material: Bronze
Weight: 7.8 g
Dimensions: 26.8 × 25.1 × 27.0 mm
A remarkable Ancient Byzantine bronze marriage ring, distinguished by its fascinating Christian iconography, prominently engraved bezel and beautifully preserved ancient patina.
The impressive, almost square bezel features an elaborate and carefully arranged composition of deeply engraved symbols, dominated by a central cross-shaped element reflecting the profound importance of Christianity in Byzantine society.
Particularly striking are the two symmetrically positioned oval-framed motifs in the upper section of the bezel, accompanied by additional engraved elements below. Together, they form a distinctive composition closely associated in theme with the Christian symbolism of Byzantine matrimonial jewellery.
A Sacred Bond – Marriage in the Byzantine World:
In the Byzantine Empire, marriage represented far more than a personal union. It was a sacred commitment, deeply connected with Christian faith, family traditions and the spiritual foundations of society.
Marriage rings became meaningful expressions of this bond, symbolising fidelity, devotion, unity and the enduring relationship between husband and wife.
The Christian cross occupied a particularly important place within this tradition. As the central symbol of Christianity, it represented divine blessing, spiritual protection and the sacred character of the matrimonial union.
The cross-shaped engraving on this ring provides a compelling connection to the religious traditions of the Byzantine world, while its carefully balanced decoration recalls the symbolic compositions found on early Christian marriage and betrothal rings.
An Intimate Witness to Byzantine Life:
Unlike monumental religious objects, personal jewellery offers an especially intimate connection to the people of antiquity.
A marriage ring was an object of profound personal significance, worn close to the body and associated with some of life's most important commitments.
This fascinating bronze example embodies the close relationship between religious belief, personal identity and matrimonial tradition in the Byzantine world.
Its prominent bezel, substantial circular band and deeply engraved decoration give the ring a particularly attractive and distinctive appearance.
The naturally developed brown patina, with subtle variations in colour and texture, beautifully complements the ancient bronze surface and emphasises the object's historical character.
A Remarkable Collector's Piece:
The combination of Christian symbolism, matrimonial associations, distinctive geometric engraving and impressive ancient preservation makes this ring an especially appealing addition to a collection of Byzantine antiquities.
A fascinating testament to the spiritual beliefs and marriage traditions of the early Byzantine world, preserving the atmosphere of an era in which faith and personal devotion were closely intertwined.
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
Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Century/timeframe
circa 5th–8th Century AD
Name of object
Ancient Byzantine Christian Marriage Ring with Engraved Cross
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
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.
