Early Christian Roman Cross Signet Ring Holy Land 4th–5th Century AD Antiquity
$ 203.42
Description
As with all items in this collection, this artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance , detailing typology, dating, region, and collection history. Early Christian Roman Cross Signet Ring Holy Land 4th–5th Century AD Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance This ancient bronze signet ring originates from the late Roman Christian period and is accompanied by a lifetime authenticity guarantee. The ring derives from a European antiquities collection and represents a genuine devotional object from the early Christian communities of the eastern Roman Empire. Item Details Object: Signet Ring Culture: Late Roman / Early Byzantine Christian Date: circa 4th–5th century AD Material: Bronze Weight: 1.99 g Internal Diameter: 18.9 mm Region: Eastern Roman Empire / Holy Land Description Following the legalization of Christianity under Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century AD, Christian symbols began to appear widely on personal objects throughout the Roman world. Rings engraved with crosses were among the most common forms of personal devotional jewelry used by early Christians. The bezel of this ring bears a clearly punched cross surrounded by a symmetrical arrangement of raised dots. This design belongs to a known class of early Christian seal motifs in which the cross is emphasized by surrounding star-like or dotted elements. These dots are often interpreted symbolically as representing divine protection, the four Evangelists, or the heavenly order surrounding the cross. Signet rings were widely used in the Roman world as personal seals. When pressed into wax or clay, the engraved device produced an identifying mark belonging to the wearer. For Christian owners such rings also served as expressions of faith and as protective devotional objects. Early Christian rings of this type have been recovered from numerous archaeological sites across the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, where Christian communities flourished during the late Roman period. Comparable Examples (Museum Parallels) British Museum, London Early Christian bronze ring with cross motif Museum number: AF.1280 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Early Christian bronze ring with cross device Accession number: 1981.244.6 Israel Museum, Jerusalem Byzantine bronze ring with punched cross design Accession number: IMJ 76.8.2317 Further Reading Spier, Jeffrey Late Antique and Early Christian Gems. Reichert Verlag, 2007. Vikan, Gary Early Byzantine Pilgrimage Art. Dumbarton Oaks. Mango, Cyril Byzantine Architecture and Art. Johns, Catherine The Jewellery of Roman Britain. Condition Ancient bronze ring with raised cross and dotted decorative motif. Surface wear and patina consistent with age and burial. Structurally intact example of early Christian jewelry. ANO1
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This is an amazing piece of history and it is an honor to have it in my collection! Excellent seller who goes above and beyond to conduct business with integrity… all of the several artifacts I have purchased are described in detail and exactly as sold… shipped quickly and safely… packed with great care… excellent price for a very special artifact!
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