Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 600 to 900 CE. An incredible bracelet made of twisted silver wire and terminating in two hammered flat silver trapezoids that flow from the wire. These are studded with small silver beads and braid. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3" W x 1" H (7.6 cm x 2.5 cm); height on stand: 3.5" (8.9 cm). (52.1 g)

Byzantine bracelets from this period are always open ended. During the 7th to 9th centuries, the Byzantine Empire was in a state of economic and social crisis, repeatedly rocked by invasions, plagues, famines, and other disasters - a time period often called "The Dark Ages." Emerging from that period, it seems that the people of the Byzantine Empire wished to flaunt their wealth and embellish themselves with beautiful things. For example, in excavations of Byzantine graves from this period at Thessaloniki, jewelry like this bracelet are the exclusive grave items found with both men and women - but they are found in great quantities. This would have been a treasured item for a person living in this optimistic, dynamic time.

Provenance: private New York, USA Collection

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.

#121718

Slight tarnish, otherwise excellent and wearable for a small wrist!