Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze Cross Pattée Pendant – Five Holy Wounds of Christ – Ring-and-Dot Decoration – ca. 4th–7th Century AD (No reserve price)

Late Roman – Early Byzantine Bronze Cross Pattée Pendant – Five Holy Wounds of Christ – Ring-and-Dot Decoration – ca. 5th–9th Century AD

Object Type: Cross Pendant / Christian Devotional Amulet
Culture: Late Roman – Early Byzantine
Period: Late Roman – Early Byzantine Period
Date: ca. 5th–9th Century AD (Proposed)
Material: Bronze
Technique: Cast and Hand-Finished
Form: Cross Pattée with Expanding Arms and Integrated Suspension Loop
Decoration: Five Circular Ring-and-Dot Motifs
Iconography: Christian Cross; Five Holy Wounds of Christ (Quinque Vulnera Christi) – Iconographic Interpretation
Comparative Museum Reference: British Museum, London, Inv. No. 1902,0529.27

Dimensions
Height: 39.70 mm ±
Width: 24.58 mm ±
Weight: 5.48 g ±

Description
An impressive Late Roman – Early Byzantine bronze cross pendant, distinguished by its expanding arms, five carefully arranged circular motifs and beautifully preserved sculptural form. Its balanced proportions and distinctive geometric ornamentation reflect the artistic traditions of early Christian devotional metalwork.

The cross displays four broadening arms extending from a central intersection, creating the characteristic silhouette of the Cross Pattée. Each arm bears a circular ring-and-dot motif, complemented by a fifth at the centre. The decoration forms a harmonious composition that emphasises the sacred geometry of the Christian cross.

The arrangement of five circular motifs offers a compelling iconographic connection with the Quinque Vulnera Christi, the Five Holy Wounds of Christ, commemorating the wounds of the Crucifixion. Within Christian devotional tradition, these wounds became powerful expressions of sacrifice, redemption and divine protection. The interpretation adds a meaningful spiritual dimension to the pendant's distinctive ornamental design.

The integrated suspension loop confirms its practical function as a wearable cross, reflecting the importance of personal expressions of Christian faith during the transition from the Late Roman world to Early Byzantine civilisation.

An important typological comparison is preserved in the collection of the British Museum, London, inventory number 1902,0529.27, an Early Byzantine bronze cross pendant dated to the 6th–7th century AD.

The museum example provides a valuable parallel for the use of circular ring-and-dot ornamentation on early Christian bronze crosses, illustrating the continuity of geometric decorative traditions within Byzantine devotional jewellery.

The present pendant is distinguished by its five-part ornamental arrangement, expanding arms, substantial bronze construction and richly developed brown patina with traces of green oxidation.

-All items are shipped fully insured.