|
HOME :
Byzantine Art :
Byzantine Jewelry : Byzantine Silver Seal Ring
|
 |
|
|
|
Byzantine Silver Seal Ring - FZ.378
Origin: Bulgaria
Circa: 400
AD
to 900
AD
Dimensions:
1.125" (2.9cm) high
x 1" (2.5cm) wide
Collection: Byzantine Art
Medium: Silver
£6,900.00
Location: UAE
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This ring was used as a personal identification
stamp. When sending messages, they would be
sealed with hot wax and imprinted with the
engraved image. This stamp both secured the
secrecy of the letter and revealed the identity of
the sender. The image of the seal is a bird in
flight. Head turned backwards, wings and tail
feathers fully extended, this bird soars across
the heavens. This creature can also be
interpreted as a scorpion, claws poised to clasp
its prey, tail and stinger erect, ready to
administer a final paralyzing blow. Either way,
this image symbolized a person’s identity, much
like a coat of arms. Besides serving this
important function, the ring also is quite stylish.
The base of the seal is decorated with an incised
frieze and a beautiful interwoven motif adorns
the band. Whoever wore this ring, wore it not
just to seal messages, but also to look
fashionable.
- (FZ.378)
|
| |
|
