Byzantine Bronze Belt buckle with inlaid geometric decoration. - 13 mm (No reserve price)
04
days
03
hours
22
minutes
34
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
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Bronze medieval belt buckle with embedded geometric decoration, likely Byzantine, dating to the late antique/early medieval period, measuring 13 × 30 × 7 mm and featuring two perforated straps on the reverse.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Medieval belt buckle with inlaid geometric decoration
Period: Medieval, possibly Byzantine (7th–9th centuries CE).
Material: Bronze with possible silver inlays.
Measurements: 21 × 25 × 8 mm.
Auction description:
Interesting medieval belt fitting made of bronze, with a lobed profile and elaborate geometric decoration created by small metallic inlays of silvery hue.
The surface features curvilinear and dotted motifs arranged symmetrically, standing out against the dark patina of the metal. Its distinctive double-rectangular opening structure allowed the strap to pass through and be fastened.
A representative piece of medieval utilitarian metalwork, in which functionality and ornamentation were combined. It preserves an attractive antique patina, with good definition of its decorative elements.
Condition: Good, with signs of use and wear typical of its possible age.
The piece presents a body with slightly concave sides, terminated at one end by a small triangular appendage. Its frontal surface is richly decorated with a composition of spirals, volutes and interlaced circular motifs, framed by two delicate lateral friezes.
Special interest lies in the reverse, which retains two perforated loops intended for fixing the plate to the belt leather, evidence of its functional construction.
This type of belt fittings constitutes an interesting manifestation of metalwork from Late Antiquity and the early medieval centuries, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean.
Notably, its attractive archaeological patina—olive-green tones, dark bronze and earthy golden hues that enhance the depth of the decorative motifs—is remarkable.
Condition: Apparent good structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two later loops preserved. It shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not retain the ring or the buckle pin of the clasp.
An appealing piece of late antique/early medieval archaeology, especially valued for the richness of its decorative motifs, the elegance of its design, and the preservation of its original attachment elements.
Medieval belt buckle with inlaid geometric decoration
Period: Medieval, possibly Byzantine (7th–9th centuries CE).
Material: Bronze with possible silver inlays.
Measurements: 21 × 25 × 8 mm.
Auction description:
Interesting medieval belt fitting made of bronze, with a lobed profile and elaborate geometric decoration created by small metallic inlays of silvery hue.
The surface features curvilinear and dotted motifs arranged symmetrically, standing out against the dark patina of the metal. Its distinctive double-rectangular opening structure allowed the strap to pass through and be fastened.
A representative piece of medieval utilitarian metalwork, in which functionality and ornamentation were combined. It preserves an attractive antique patina, with good definition of its decorative elements.
Condition: Good, with signs of use and wear typical of its possible age.
The piece presents a body with slightly concave sides, terminated at one end by a small triangular appendage. Its frontal surface is richly decorated with a composition of spirals, volutes and interlaced circular motifs, framed by two delicate lateral friezes.
Special interest lies in the reverse, which retains two perforated loops intended for fixing the plate to the belt leather, evidence of its functional construction.
This type of belt fittings constitutes an interesting manifestation of metalwork from Late Antiquity and the early medieval centuries, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean.
Notably, its attractive archaeological patina—olive-green tones, dark bronze and earthy golden hues that enhance the depth of the decorative motifs—is remarkable.
Condition: Apparent good structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two later loops preserved. It shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not retain the ring or the buckle pin of the clasp.
An appealing piece of late antique/early medieval archaeology, especially valued for the richness of its decorative motifs, the elegance of its design, and the preservation of its original attachment elements.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
S VIII DC
Name of object
Belt buckle with inlaid geometric decoration.
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
1960
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Spain
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
13 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
30 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
7 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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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.
