Byzantine Bronze Belt buckle with inlaid geometric decoration. - 35 mm
06
days
22
hours
55
minutes
37
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Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 250 - € 300
 | €1 |
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The bronze belt buckle with embedded geometric decoration from Byzantine culture dating to the 7th century AD, measures 21 × 25 × 8 mm and is in good condition, acquired in 1960 from a gallery/antiquarian in Spain.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Medieval belt buckle with geometric inlay decoration
Era: Medieval, possibly Byzantine (7th–8th centuries C.E.).
Material: Bronze with possible silver inlays.
Dimensions: 21 × 25 × 8 mm.
Auction description:
Interesting medieval belt fitting made of bronze, lobed profile and elaborated geometric decoration achieved through small metallic inlays with a silvery tone.
The surface features curvilinear and dotted motifs arranged symmetrically, standing out against the metal’s dark patina. Its characteristic double rectangular opening structure allowed the passage and fastening of a strap.
A representative piece of medieval utilitarian goldsmithing, where functionality and ornamentation were combined. Preserves an attractive antique patina, with good definition of its decorative elements.
Conservation status: 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, scrolls and circular interlaced motifs, framed by two delicate lateral borders.
Special interest lies in the reverse, which retains two perforated loops intended for fixing the plate to the belt leather, testimony to its functional construction.
This type of belt fittings constitutes an interesting manifestation of late antique metalwork and the early medieval centuries, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean.
What stands out especially is its attractive archaeological patina, with olive green, dark bronze and earthy golden tones that enhance the depth of the decorative motifs.
Conservation status: Good apparent structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two later loops preserved. Shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not retain the ring or the closure pin of the buckle.
An attractive piece of early medieval archaeology, especially appreciable for the richness of its decorative motifs, the elegance of its design, and the preservation of its original attachment elements.
Medieval belt buckle with geometric inlay decoration
Era: Medieval, possibly Byzantine (7th–8th centuries C.E.).
Material: Bronze with possible silver inlays.
Dimensions: 21 × 25 × 8 mm.
Auction description:
Interesting medieval belt fitting made of bronze, lobed profile and elaborated geometric decoration achieved through small metallic inlays with a silvery tone.
The surface features curvilinear and dotted motifs arranged symmetrically, standing out against the metal’s dark patina. Its characteristic double rectangular opening structure allowed the passage and fastening of a strap.
A representative piece of medieval utilitarian goldsmithing, where functionality and ornamentation were combined. Preserves an attractive antique patina, with good definition of its decorative elements.
Conservation status: 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, scrolls and circular interlaced motifs, framed by two delicate lateral borders.
Special interest lies in the reverse, which retains two perforated loops intended for fixing the plate to the belt leather, testimony to its functional construction.
This type of belt fittings constitutes an interesting manifestation of late antique metalwork and the early medieval centuries, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean.
What stands out especially is its attractive archaeological patina, with olive green, dark bronze and earthy golden tones that enhance the depth of the decorative motifs.
Conservation status: Good apparent structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two later loops preserved. Shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not retain the ring or the closure pin of the buckle.
An attractive piece of early medieval archaeology, especially appreciable 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 VII 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
35 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
35 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
9 mm
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.
