Late Roman / Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Bread & Butter PlatesRelated Bread & Butter Plates
More Items in Byzantine Bread & Butter Plates
View MoreRecommended Tableware & Barware
View MoreItem Details
Description
Roman or Byzantine, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A rectangular bronze bread stamp with two rows of Greek letters, each within a thick bronze border. The verso has a double loop handle with an applied flat panel at the center.
Bread stamps have been used throughout the Old World, particularly the Mediterranean and Near East, since the emergence of Greco-Roman culture; they were used for religious, magical, economic, and identification purposes. For example, in classical Greece, bread would be stamped when it was used in a ritual performance or as offerings (Herodotus describes this). Several stamped, carbonized loaves of bread have been documented from Pompeii; they were stamped with the name of the baker in order to establish ownership and prevent forgeries. Later, Eucharistic bread was stamped with a variety of religious symbols.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#175739
Bread stamps have been used throughout the Old World, particularly the Mediterranean and Near East, since the emergence of Greco-Roman culture; they were used for religious, magical, economic, and identification purposes. For example, in classical Greece, bread would be stamped when it was used in a ritual performance or as offerings (Herodotus describes this). Several stamped, carbonized loaves of bread have been documented from Pompeii; they were stamped with the name of the baker in order to establish ownership and prevent forgeries. Later, Eucharistic bread was stamped with a variety of religious symbols.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#175739
Condition
Small section of loss at upper midsection as shown.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Late Roman / Byzantine Bronze Bread Stamp
Estimate $1,500 - $2,000
5 bidders are watching this item.
Get approved to bid.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Payment
TOP