Medieval, Crusaders Era Bronze 「聖なる五つの傷」— キリストを刻んだ護符と、神の守護を象徴する五つの傷のシンボル、そしてその (No reserve price)

remarkable small Medieval bronze Christian amulet, decorated on both sides with deeply symbolic imagery: a highly stylized frontal representation of Christ on one face and a group of five circular motifs, evocative of the Five Holy Wounds of Christ, on the reverse.

Medieval / Crusader-Era tradition, circa 11th–14th century AD.

Measuring approximately 19 mm and weighing 3.24 g, this is a compact personal devotional object whose simple execution gives it considerable archaic character.

Christ

The principal face presents an unusual schematic human figure enclosed within a circular field.

The head is represented frontally and surrounded by a strongly defined outline that may be understood as a halo or sacred framing device. Simple linear strokes construct the facial features and body, producing an image that is highly abstract yet distinctly anthropomorphic.

Rather than attempting naturalistic portraiture, the maker appears to have concentrated on the sacred presence of the figure. In a medieval Christian context, such a frontal, centrally positioned and halo-like representation can plausibly be interpreted as Christ.

Additional engraved lines and geometric marks surround the figure, enhancing the amulet's strongly symbolic character.

The Five Holy Wounds

The reverse carries an especially intriguing arrangement of five deeply punched circular ring-and-dot motifs.

One appears above, three occupy the central field, and another appears below, creating a deliberate five-part composition.

Within medieval Christian devotional symbolism, the number five held particular significance through the Five Holy Wounds of Christ suffered during the Crucifixion: traditionally understood as the wounds of the hands, feet and side.

The five circles may therefore be interpreted as an evocative representation of the Five Wounds, transforming the reverse into a simple but powerful devotional image of Christ's Passion and sacrifice.

The identification should remain interpretative, as ring-and-dot ornament also had a wider decorative use during antiquity and the medieval period.

A Personal Object of Faith

The combination of a possible image of Christ on one side and five symbolic circles on the other gives this small amulet a particularly compelling Christian devotional character.

Objects of this intimate scale could be worn or carried close to the body as expressions of faith, remembrance and spiritual protection. For a medieval owner, imagery connected with Christ and the Passion could serve as a constant reminder of sacrifice, salvation and divine protection.

The bronze retains an attractive aged dark brown and greenish patina, with warmer exposed areas emphasizing the ancient engraved and punched decoration.

Now fitted with a suspension ring and chain, allowing this historical object to be worn while preserving the original amulet as the centrepiece.

Period: Medieval / Crusader-Era tradition
Suggested dating: c. 11th–14th century AD
Material: Bronze / copper alloy
Diameter: approx. 19 mm
Weight: approx. 3.24 g
Obverse: Stylized frontal anthropomorphic figure, plausibly representing Christ
Reverse: Five circular ring-and-dot motifs, interpreted in a Christian devotional context as possible Five Holy Wounds symbolism

Christ • Five Holy Wounds • Passion • Sacrifice • Faith • Salvation • Divine Protection

“The Five Holy Wounds”

A small yet exceptionally evocative medieval-style Christian amulet, bringing together the image of Christ and the symbolic number five in a deeply personal devotional object connected with the Passion, sacrifice and protective power of faith.