Byzantine Bronze Buckle with openwork decoration – 7th–10th centuries AD

Bronze Byzantine buckle with relief vegetal decoration – 6th–7th centuries AD. Culture: Byzantine or Byzantine-influenced. Dating proposed: 6th–7th centuries AD. Material: Bronze cast. Measurements: 22 × 56 × 10 mm. Exceptionally decorative belt buckle plate of Byzantine tradition, made in bronze and characterized by its elegant elongated silhouette and its elaborate ornamentation of vegetal motifs and scrolls in relief. The piece features a body with slightly concave sides, ending at one end in a small triangular projection. Its frontal surface is richly decorated with a composition of spirals, volutes and interlaced circular motifs, framed by two delicate lateral cornices. Of special interest is the reverse, which preserves two punched loops intended for attaching the plate to leather of the belt, a testimony to its functional construction. This type of belt fittings constitutes an interesting manifestation of late antique metalwork and the early medieval centuries, when Byzantine artistic influence spread widely across the Mediterranean. It is particularly notable for its attractive archaeological patina, with olive-green tones, dark bronze and earthy golden hues that enhance the depth of the ornamental motifs. Condition: Good apparent structural integrity, with the decorated plate and the two later loops preserved. Shows surface wear and earthy deposits compatible with its archaeological state. It does not preserve the ring nor the needle/pin of the buckle. An attractive piece of late antique archaeology, especially appreciable for the richness of its decorative motifs, the elegance of its design, and the preservation of its original fixing elements.

Estimate:$224.74

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