Byzantine Bronze Epigraphic Ring

6TH CENTURY A.D.

3/4 in. (1.81 grams, 19.87 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)).

With ellipsoid bezel, incised Greek inscription with some of the letter inversed, reading 'ΧζΒΟ ΗϽΙΤΡ βOΥΛΟ'.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 481.

Footnotes

The meaning of the inscription is not clear, although it may be prophylactic, with the letter Chi (Χ) linked with the rho (P) i.e. XP for ‘Christ’ and the other letters referring to the usual expression βΟYTICΗ (protect) βOΥΛIΟ (Doulo? ), therefore intended to be read ‘Christ protect your servant’. The ring was probably engraved by a foreigner with a very limited understanding of Greek.

CONDITION

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LOT 0938