Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze Rare Medical & Grooming Instrument – Phylaktērion Protective Ornament – Curved Point – ca. 6th–8th (No reserve price)
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€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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This original bronze medical and grooming instrument, a curved-point phylaktērion protective ornament, dates to the Late Roman/Early Byzantine period, circa the 6th–8th century AD.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A piece of the past, made to be worn
Rare Byzantine Bronze Medical & Grooming Instrument – Phylaktērion Protective Ornament – Curved Point – ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Object: Suspended Personal-Care Instrument / Pointed Probe
Culture: Byzantine – Eastern Mediterranean Tradition
Period: Early Byzantine Period
Date: ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Material: Metal Alloy, Probably Bronze
Technique: Metalworking, Incised Linear Decoration and Punched-Dot Ornamentation
Decoration: Elongated Foliate Medallion, Dense Dotted Central Field, Curvilinear Borders and Tapering Point
Iconography: Stylised Grain-Ear or Seed Motif / Phylaktērion – Protective Symbolic Association
-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request before shipment (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cords, connecting rings, and other display accessories shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the object.
Dimensions
Height: 73.81 mm ±
Width: 18.10 mm ±
Weight: 5.20 g ±
Description
A remarkable Byzantine-period metal-alloy instrument distinguished by its exceptionally slender curved terminal, prominent oval decorative body and intricately arranged geometric ornamentation.
The elongated composition combines a functional pointed implement with an ornamental upper section. A carefully formed suspension loop permits the object to be carried or worn, while the gently curving terminal recalls the fine grooming and probing instruments employed throughout Late Antique and Byzantine society.
The central medallion displays a striking elongated foliate composition filled with closely arranged punched dots, framed by elegant curving lines and smaller circular motifs. Its design evokes a stylised ear of grain or seed-bearing plant, offering an expressive visual association with vitality, nourishment and renewal.
Within Byzantine material culture, portable protective objects were associated with the Greek concept of phylaktērion (φυλακτήριον), referring to an amulet or object of protection. The present instrument's decorative composition offers an intriguing parallel to this broader tradition of combining personal objects with protective imagery.
The object's elegant proportions, carefully articulated decoration and contrasting dark and golden-toned surfaces create a particularly compelling example of historical ornamental craftsmanship.
An unusual collectible bringing together the technological traditions of Byzantine personal-care instruments and the visual language of protective jewellery.
Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands
The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.
Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days
Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.
Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.
A piece of the past, made to be worn
Rare Byzantine Bronze Medical & Grooming Instrument – Phylaktērion Protective Ornament – Curved Point – ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Object: Suspended Personal-Care Instrument / Pointed Probe
Culture: Byzantine – Eastern Mediterranean Tradition
Period: Early Byzantine Period
Date: ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Material: Metal Alloy, Probably Bronze
Technique: Metalworking, Incised Linear Decoration and Punched-Dot Ornamentation
Decoration: Elongated Foliate Medallion, Dense Dotted Central Field, Curvilinear Borders and Tapering Point
Iconography: Stylised Grain-Ear or Seed Motif / Phylaktērion – Protective Symbolic Association
-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request before shipment (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
-The suspension cords, connecting rings, and other display accessories shown in the photographs are used solely for presentation purposes and are not part of the object.
Dimensions
Height: 73.81 mm ±
Width: 18.10 mm ±
Weight: 5.20 g ±
Description
A remarkable Byzantine-period metal-alloy instrument distinguished by its exceptionally slender curved terminal, prominent oval decorative body and intricately arranged geometric ornamentation.
The elongated composition combines a functional pointed implement with an ornamental upper section. A carefully formed suspension loop permits the object to be carried or worn, while the gently curving terminal recalls the fine grooming and probing instruments employed throughout Late Antique and Byzantine society.
The central medallion displays a striking elongated foliate composition filled with closely arranged punched dots, framed by elegant curving lines and smaller circular motifs. Its design evokes a stylised ear of grain or seed-bearing plant, offering an expressive visual association with vitality, nourishment and renewal.
Within Byzantine material culture, portable protective objects were associated with the Greek concept of phylaktērion (φυλακτήριον), referring to an amulet or object of protection. The present instrument's decorative composition offers an intriguing parallel to this broader tradition of combining personal objects with protective imagery.
The object's elegant proportions, carefully articulated decoration and contrasting dark and golden-toned surfaces create a particularly compelling example of historical ornamental craftsmanship.
An unusual collectible bringing together the technological traditions of Byzantine personal-care instruments and the visual language of protective jewellery.
Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands
The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.
Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days
Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.
Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.
Details
Culture
Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Century/timeframe
ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Name of object
Rare Medical & Grooming Instrument – Phylaktērion Protective Ornament – Curved Point – ca. 6th–8th
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1996
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
