Byzantine Bronze Articulated brooch with openwork decoration – 7th–10th centuries AD. - 60 mm

Byzantine bronze articulated brooch with pierced decoration – 7th–10th centuries AD.

Culture: Byzantine.

Era: Early Middle Ages, 7th–10th centuries AD.

Material: Bronze.

Measurements: 62 × 80 × 8 mm.

An interesting and highly decorative articulated bronze brooch, attributable to the Byzantine sphere, crafted with refined geometric and floral pierced ornamentation.

The piece consists of two elements joined by a central hinge. The upper body, with a semicircular profile, is framed by a wide outer arch and houses inside a delicate symmetric composition of scrolls and vegetal motifs, organized around a central rose with a strong ornamental effect. The lower element, rectangular in shape, reproduces a similar decorative scheme, with an elegant pierced floral motif enclosed in a well-defined frame and highlighted by a fine perimetral cingulette.

It stands out for the visual quality of its execution, as well as the achieved balance between lightness and structural solidity. The piercing work creates an attractive play of light and shadow that enhances its decorative richness and underscores the piece’s ornamental character.

This type of articulated brooches or appliques formed part of personal adornment and textile or strap hardware in the Byzantine world, where metalwork for utilitarian purposes reached notable formal refinement.

Condition: Very good visual preservation, with both bodies preserved and the hinge present. Shows surface wear, small irregularities, and patina commensurate with its age.

An especially attractive piece for its elegant architectural design, its fine pierced decoration, and its unmistakable Byzantine flavor, ideal for collectors of archaeology and ancient metallurgy.