Late Byzantine / Balkan Gold Signet Ring | Engraved Double-Headed Eagle
Southeastern Europe, Late Byzantine or Medieval Balkan, ca. 1200–1500 CE. A small signet ring of very high-purity gold, tested at 23.6 karats, possibly made for a child. The flat band widens into a round bezel with a raised border, engraved with a double-headed eagle with wings spread. The bird is cut in quick, confident strokes, with angular feathers fanning to either side and two heads turned away from each other above a narrow central body. In this period and region, the double-headed eagle signaled rank and allegiance. A ring of this size may have been made for a young member of a family that used the emblem, perhaps as a token of lineage or protection. Size of band: 0.1" W x 0.4" Diam (0.3 cm W x 1.0 cm Diam); signet face: 0.4" Diam (1.0 cm Diam); gold quality: 98.5% (23.6 karat); weight: 3.3 grams.
The double-headed eagle is closely tied to the last centuries of Byzantium. Under the Palaiologan emperors (1259 to 1453) it appeared on textiles, ceremonial dress, and court regalia, and it became a common emblem of imperial and princely authority. Neighboring Orthodox rulers took up the motif, most notably the Serbian Nemanjic dynasty, and it later passed into the heraldry of the post-Byzantine Balkans and Muscovite Russia. On a personal ring, the eagle may reflect courtly or aristocratic ties, a family's claim to that heritage, or simply its popularity as a sign of status and divine protection across the Orthodox world.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired by family descent; originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205338
Condition
Seem visible. Otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail. Small scale inhibits wear.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Southeastern Europe, Late Byzantine or Medieval Balkan, ca. 1200–1500 CE. A small signet ring of very high-purity gold, tested at 23.6 karats, possibly made for a child. The flat band widens into a round bezel with a raised border, engraved with a double-headed eagle with wings spread. The bird is cut in quick, confident strokes, with angular feathers fanning to either side and two heads turned away from each other above a narrow central body. In this period and region, the double-headed eagle signaled rank and allegiance. A ring of this size may have been made for a young member of a family that used the emblem, perhaps as a token of lineage or protection. Size of band: 0.1" W x 0.4" Diam (0.3 cm W x 1.0 cm Diam); signet face: 0.4" Diam (1.0 cm Diam); gold quality: 98.5% (23.6 karat); weight: 3.3 grams.
The double-headed eagle is closely tied to the last centuries of Byzantium. Under the Palaiologan emperors (1259 to 1453) it appeared on textiles, ceremonial dress, and court regalia, and it became a common emblem of imperial and princely authority. Neighboring Orthodox rulers took up the motif, most notably the Serbian Nemanjic dynasty, and it later passed into the heraldry of the post-Byzantine Balkans and Muscovite Russia. On a personal ring, the eagle may reflect courtly or aristocratic ties, a family's claim to that heritage, or simply its popularity as a sign of status and divine protection across the Orthodox world.
Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired by family descent; originally acquired in the 1980s
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #205338
Condition
Seem visible. Otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail. Small scale inhibits wear.
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
