BYZANTINE RING WITH A CROSS AND INSCRIPTION

Ca. AD 900 - 1300 A medieval religius bronze signer ring featuring a round hoop connected to a circular bezel. The bezel is adorned with cross framed in a crown of dots; inscription in ancient greek around it. Byzantine Christian rings featured religious symbols and were thought to provide physical and spiritual protection. They also served as markers of social status and identity, with signet rings bearing personal seals or emblems. For similar see: El Legado de Hefesto, n. 594.
Size: D:18.75mm / US: 8 3/4 / UK: R; Weight: 3.8g
Provenance: Property of London gallery, acquired on the Austrian art market.

Estimate: GBP 150 - 300