Late Roman/Early Byzantine Bronze Ornamental bronze belt...

Bronze belt ornamental plate with pierced vegetal decoration – Hispano-Visigothic and Byzantine tradition, 5th–7th centuries AD. Culture: Early medieval, possibly Hispano-Visigothic with Byzantine influence. Dating proposed: 5th–7th centuries AD. Material: Cast bronze. Dimensions: 17 × 70 × 3 mm. An extraordinarily decorative bronze ornamental plate, attributable to the early medieval metallurgical tradition, characterized by its elegant elongated silhouette and its elaborate decoration of vegetal scrolls and pierced geometric motifs. The piece presents a composition divided into several ornamental fields, delimited by gentle constrictions of the contour and enriched with interlaced curved motifs, spirals, and stylized vegetal elements. Specially notable is the treatment of the reliefs, which combines modeled surfaces with small perforations and pierced spaces, creating an attractive play of light and shadow. Its decoration recalls the ornamental repertoire of Hispano-Visigothic belt fittings with Byzantine influence, especially the liriform plates of the 6th and 7th centuries, in which vegetal, geometric, and zoomorphic motifs attained notable artistic development. The reverse preserves traces of its securing elements, compatible with its use as an ornamental belt or strap fitting. It presents an attractive archaeological patina in olive green, dark green, and earthy brown tones, with mineral concretions that contrast with the reliefs and emphasize its ancient character. State of preservation: Good overall apparent integrity, with frontal ornamentation recognizable, minor material losses, surface wear, and oxidation deposits. A singular piece of early medieval metalwork, especially interesting for the richness of its pierced decoration, its stylistic proportions, and its possible connection with Hispano-Visigothic and Byzantine artistic traditions.

Estimate:£168.63

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