**Originally Listed At $500**

Ancient Near East, Byzantium, ca. 10th to 12th century CE. A lovely pair of matching gilt silver hoop earrings, each one composed of an oblong gilded orb bisected by a raised rope pattern band (also gilded) adorning the center of a curved silver hoop that is further adorned by additional gilded rope-patterned passages to either side of the orb with the silver wire continuing and a narrow opening on one side, once used for attachment to the ear. Personal adornment was as important to people living in the Byzantium era as it is today. Citizens went to great lengths to acquire the latest fashion in clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry - and jewelry in particular was also a symbol of status and wealth. A lovely example of luxury art from this period of light emerging after the so-called Dark Ages. Weight: 11.4 grams Size: 1.125" L x 1.25" W x 3.25" H (2.9 cm x 3.2 cm x 8.3 cm)

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 these earrings has been found in great quantity in the graves of women. These would have been treasured items for a person living in this optimistic, dynamic time.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private A. T. collection, Munich, Germany, acquired in 1985

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#143581

Normal age wear with some gilt loss, but much remains. A few minute casting flaws. As is, the earrings are not wearable; however, a reputable jeweler could create a new setting to make them wearable.