Byzantine Bronze Candelabrum w/ Large Cross

**Originally Listed At $1800**

Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 9th century CE. A beautiful, fascinating object from a wealthy Byzantine church or home - a round, spoke-like component of a candelabrum. A symmetrical, segmented, openwork motif gives the piece a clock-like appearance, as do the cogged edges, at least to the modern eye - but in antiquity, this bronze disc would have been held by its three openwork bronze chains, which are still present here, and suspended from a stand by the heavy hook. On this example, the three chains are brought together at a tall, flat cross. Openings in its arms suggest further attachments. Candles or lamps would have been set into the round areas of the surface. Size when fully extended: 13.3" W x 34" H (33.8 cm x 86.4 cm)

Bronze furniture and decorative art were luxury items in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire that followed, reserved only for the richest households. Even there, they seem to have been heirlooms; some scholars believe that they were passed down through multiple generations, gaining additions like crosses, new lids, or new feet to suit changing decorative styles. Imagine how the light would have played off of this when it was new and polished to shine!

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, collected in the 1960s

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.

#143466
Condition Report: Slight bending to openwork form. Rich, deep green patina on all surfaces. Chains are intact and functional with good movement.