Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant

Mixed group of square trade weights with punched-point and impressed detailing. 32 grams total, 9-17 mm



Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising: a large bronze buckle with thick round-section loop, ribbed tongue with acanthus-leaf design in-high relief, two pierced lugs to the reverse; a smaller buckle with long plate decorated with openwork geometric forms; a small seal box shaped as a youthful head with details on hair and face, open catch at the top. 107 grams total, 39-68 mm



Acquired in Europe in 1992. European private collection.

This type of belt elements, although present in the Avar graves of the second half of the 7th century, were most likely produced in the workshops of the Eastern Roman Empire, from where they reached the Avar lands as imperial gifts or spoils of war. They could be simple fastenings for belts, or part of multiple belts, to which sabres and knives were attached, commonly used among Avars, Bulgars and Romans during the 6th -7th centuries A.D.

Capsule pendant with domed ends and openwork filigree bands between, ribbed suspension tube, granule finials. 0.91 grams, 15 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.