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During the Byzantine era, weights and measures
were under the strict control of a centralized
administration. The weight system was based on
the Byzantine litra, derived from the late Roman
pound. This unit of measure was equal to the
weight of seventy-two solidi, the standard gold
coin of the Byzantine Empire introduced by
Constantine the Great in 309 A.D. Three
materials were traditionally employed in the
manufacture of Byzantine commodity and
currency weights: bronze, glass, and lead. Only in
rare instances were gold or silver used. The three
common shapes employed were: flattened
spheres with truncated sides, squares and discs.
It is believed that the square was the
predominant shape from the 4th to the late 6th
century AD.
The use of standardized weights was designed to
ensure consistency and prevent corruption but
this did not always work out in practice. Legal
records reveal that certain tax collectors used
heavier weights than those prescribed, and that
shop vendors reduced their weight. In both cases
profits would have been illegally increased. The
earliest weights were struck like coins and
usually featured the image of the reigning
emperor- the majority of these seem to have
been produced in Constantinople itself. By the
sixth century there was a much wider variety in
design and production centres had sprung up
across the provinces.
In the jeweler's trade perfect balance is essential.
The fine line between profit and loss depends
upon accuracy and exact measurements. To
achieve this a vast variety of instruments have
been devised, including this ingenious bronze
weight. To hold this weight is to feel its delicate
heaviness that is very satisfying. It's size and
lovely balance made it easy to carry around as a
portable device of wonderful simplicity and
absolute reliability. On the fourteen sides are
engraved a complex series of slashes and dots
that may be decoration, or have a mathematical
significance. In either case the effect of this
esoteric script heightens the beauty and adds a
mystical element to the weighing of precious
metals and gems.
- (FZ.352)
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