Byzantine Bronze Medieval belt buckle with inlaid geometric decoration. - 23 mm
04
days
18
hours
44
minutes
37
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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This Byzantine bronze medieval belt fitting, dated to the 7th century AD, features an inlaid geometric design and measures 23 × 52 × 11 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Medieval belt buckle with embedded geometric decoration
Era: Medieval, possibly Byzantine (7th–6th centuries AD).
Material: Bronze with possible silver inlays.
Measurements: 21 × 25 × 8 mm.
Auction description:
An interesting medieval belt ornament in bronze, lobed in profile and elaborately decorated with geometric motifs formed by small metallic inlays in a silvery tone.
The surface features curvilinear and dotted motifs arranged symmetrically, standing out against the dark patina of the metal. Its characteristic double rectangular opening allowed the passage and securing of a strap.
A representative piece of utilitarian medieval goldsmithing, where functionality and ornamentation were combined. It preserves an attractive antiquated 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 projection. Its frontal surface is richly decorated with a composition of spirals, scrollwork, 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, testimony to its functional construction.
This type of belt ornamentation constitutes an interesting manifestation of late antique and early medieval metalworking, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean.
It is especially notable for its attractive archaeological patina, with olive-green tones, dark bronze and earthy golden hues that enhance the depth of the decorative motifs.
Condition: Good apparent structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two rear loops preserved. It shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not retain the hoop or the tongue of the buckle.
An attractive early-medieval archaeological piece, particularly appreciable for the richness of its decorative motifs, the elegance of its design, and the preservation of its original fixing elements.
Medieval belt buckle with embedded geometric decoration
Era: Medieval, possibly Byzantine (7th–6th centuries AD).
Material: Bronze with possible silver inlays.
Measurements: 21 × 25 × 8 mm.
Auction description:
An interesting medieval belt ornament in bronze, lobed in profile and elaborately decorated with geometric motifs formed by small metallic inlays in a silvery tone.
The surface features curvilinear and dotted motifs arranged symmetrically, standing out against the dark patina of the metal. Its characteristic double rectangular opening allowed the passage and securing of a strap.
A representative piece of utilitarian medieval goldsmithing, where functionality and ornamentation were combined. It preserves an attractive antiquated 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 projection. Its frontal surface is richly decorated with a composition of spirals, scrollwork, 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, testimony to its functional construction.
This type of belt ornamentation constitutes an interesting manifestation of late antique and early medieval metalworking, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean.
It is especially notable for its attractive archaeological patina, with olive-green tones, dark bronze and earthy golden hues that enhance the depth of the decorative motifs.
Condition: Good apparent structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two rear loops preserved. It shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not retain the hoop or the tongue of the buckle.
An attractive early-medieval archaeological piece, particularly appreciable for the richness of its decorative motifs, the elegance of its design, and the preservation of its original fixing elements.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
S VII DC
Name of object
Medieval 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
23 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
52 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Spain
Depth
11 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.
