Byzantine Empire
Eastern Mediterranean
500 AD - 600 AD
Silver gilt with red stone inlay
Height 1 3/4 in (4.4 cm)
Provenance: San Jose, California, trade
A silver gilt fibula modeled as a stylized winged insect, the rounded head set with two red stone eyes above a beaded collar and a segmented body tapering to a forked tail. The splayed wings are inset with red stones in raised cells, and applied granulation and twisted wire detail the head and shoulders. Gilding survives across the raised surfaces, with green mineral deposits and wear in the recesses.
Fibulae of this type fastened garments at the shoulder and served as marks of status in the Byzantine world. The working pin and catch survive on the reverse, and the piece is intact. Small losses to the gilding and inlay are consistent with age and burial.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Byzantine Empire
Eastern Mediterranean
500 AD - 600 AD
Silver gilt with red stone inlay
Height 1 3/4 in (4.4 cm)
Provenance: San Jose, California, trade
A silver gilt fibula modeled as a stylized winged insect, the rounded head set with two red stone eyes above a beaded collar and a segmented body tapering to a forked tail. The splayed wings are inset with red stones in raised cells, and applied granulation and twisted wire detail the head and shoulders. Gilding survives across the raised surfaces, with green mineral deposits and wear in the recesses.
Fibulae of this type fastened garments at the shoulder and served as marks of status in the Byzantine world. The working pin and catch survive on the reverse, and the piece is intact. Small losses to the gilding and inlay are consistent with age and burial.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
