Byzantine Gilt Bronze Mount with Inscription

8th-10th century A.D. Shoe-shaped belt plaque with incised lambda on the disc, D-shaped head with pierced lugs to reverse and incised circle containing 'Φ /ΖωΗ/C'. 6.38 grams, 31 mm (1 1/4 in.). [No Reserve]

Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The strap end bears a reference to the words of Jesus: John, 8:12 and 14.6 (I am the light of the world…I am the way and the truth and the life). It is highly possible that the belt was that of an important ecclesiastic Eastern Roman prelate.