Beautiful 7th C. Byzantine Gold Buckle w/ Nacre
Ancient Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 7th to 10th century CE. A beautiful buckle of a rectangular form comprised of 84% gold (equivalent to 20K+). A recessed bezel is surrounded by a petite serrated border and contains within it a slender nacre panel that is secured with four round-topped pins. A central rectangular boss comprised of 88% gold (equivalent to 21K+) displays a crucifix composed of gold granules that is surrounded by trios of additional granules in each corner, and additional, larger gold granules line the periphery of the buckle body. The buckle pin and loop are of a fleur-de-lis style, comprised of 86% gold (equivalent to 20K+) and suspended to the body via a slender pin; a stamped crucifix is visible on the front of the pin. Buckles like this example were an opulent means of embellishing upon pragmatic items and were typically made of gold, silver, and other luxurious materials. Size: 1.125" W x 2" H (2.9 cm x 5.1 cm); quality of gold: (body) 84% / 20K+; (buckle) 86% / 20K+; (central boss) 88% / 21K+; total weight: 23.8 grams.
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#153431
Condition Report: Loss to one round-topped pin as shown. Minor chips and hairline fissures to nacre panel, with slight bending to overall form of serrated periphery, buckle pin and loop, and body, with small casting flaws behind body, light encrustations, and minor abrasions. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.
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Ancient Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 7th to 10th century CE. A beautiful buckle of a rectangular form comprised of 84% gold (equivalent to 20K+). A recessed bezel is surrounded by a petite serrated border and contains within it a slender nacre panel that is secured with four round-topped pins. A central rectangular boss comprised of 88% gold (equivalent to 21K+) displays a crucifix composed of gold granules that is surrounded by trios of additional granules in each corner, and additional, larger gold granules line the periphery of the buckle body. The buckle pin and loop are of a fleur-de-lis style, comprised of 86% gold (equivalent to 20K+) and suspended to the body via a slender pin; a stamped crucifix is visible on the front of the pin. Buckles like this example were an opulent means of embellishing upon pragmatic items and were typically made of gold, silver, and other luxurious materials. Size: 1.125" W x 2" H (2.9 cm x 5.1 cm); quality of gold: (body) 84% / 20K+; (buckle) 86% / 20K+; (central boss) 88% / 21K+; total weight: 23.8 grams.
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#153431
Condition Report: Loss to one round-topped pin as shown. Minor chips and hairline fissures to nacre panel, with slight bending to overall form of serrated periphery, buckle pin and loop, and body, with small casting flaws behind body, light encrustations, and minor abrasions. Light earthen deposits and nice patina throughout.
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