Description:

Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A dazzling gold pendant in the form of a cross inlaid with 13 wine-red garnet cabochons, each with convex, rounded faces, the largest of them at the center crux. Surmounted by a suspension hoop, the pendant is comprised of 4 tubular arms with discoid finials. The more petite garnets are held in place by serrated bezels, while the largest presents a plain, piecrust bezel surrounded by a twisted gold wire. The religious art from this time period reflected Christian beliefs, and the cross replaced the previous Roman Christogram, becoming a widespread religious symbol during the Byzantine empire. This gold pendant was perhaps created for an elite individual to display both wealth and religious devotion. Size: 1.8" W x 2.6" H (4.6 cm x 6.6 cm); gold quality: 87% (over 20 karats); weight: 9.1 grams

The Byzantine period was a time of intense religiosity and immense wealth devoted to religion. On the backdrop of the Crusades and the split between the Eastern and Western branches of the Church, religious jewelry like this played a significant role. Not only did it symbolize one's status, but it also served as a diplomatic tool. Interestingly, Emperor Justinian established laws (later called the Justinian Code) that among other things regulated the wearing of jewelry. He stated that sapphires, pearls, and emeralds were reserved for the emperor; however, every free man was actually entitled to wear a gold ring. This suggests widespread popularity of jewelry, and indeed, wealth abounded in the Byzantine Empire, there were gold mines within its borders, making gold more easily accessible.

Provenance: private Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA collection, acquired from Artemission Ltd., London, UK, February 12, 2013

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#183809

  • Condition: Some indentations and nicks to gold, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable as a pendant.

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February 16, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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