{"title":"Early Access","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for the rings from our 10 October newsletter?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ring-drop-2026-10-10\"\u003eBrowse the permanent 10 October Ring Drop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCurrent Early Access\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSubscriber previews appear here before their general release. The latest released pieces are now available in the regular shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/new-arrivals\"\u003eExplore New Arrivals\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-okellos-7th-12th-c-ring-and-dot","title":"Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Okellos' (6th–11th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eByzantine bronze cross pendant, 'Okellos', with pattée arms carrying five raised ring-and-dot bosses, a widespread protective ornament worn as a Christian sign on the body. An integral loop at the top completed the suspension.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eEach arm bears a cast ring-and-dot in relief, with a fifth boss at the crossing. The side arms and the foot widen toward concave ends in the pattée manner, the upper arm rises almost straight to a flat top, and the reverse is left plain. The ring-and-dot is one of the most widespread ornaments of the Byzantine world, often read as a protective eye or sun sign; set five times on a cross, it joined that charge to the Christian cross worn against the chest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Byzantine\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 30 mm; Width: 19 mm; Thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Intact with the suspension loop preserved; even green and earthen patina across both faces; light surface wear softening the edges of the bosses.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-59-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eSmall solid-cast pectoral crosses with pattée arms were made by lost-wax or two-part mould casting and finished by hand. They were worn on a cord against the body as a personal sign of Christian faith and as a daily request for protection. The ring-and-dot motif was one of the standard decorative charges of the period, used alone on buckles and mounts and combined here with the cross; its circular eye-like form was long associated with warding and with the sun. The form compares with small excavated crosses that carry five ring-and-dots on the crossing and arms, among them Penn Museum 31-50-258A and B and a grave find published by Uygun Yazıcı (2024, cat. 2).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorn against the body, the cross pendant carried its owner's faith as a daily plea for protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/orthodox-crosses-encolpia\"\u003eByzantine and Medieval cross pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958781329738,"sku":"CP-59-B","price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-okellos-with-pattee-arms-and-five-ring-and-dot-bos-1.jpg?v=1792222826"},{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-okellaris-8th-12th-c-ce-ring-and-dot","title":"Byzantine Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Okellaris' (6th–11th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eByzantine bronze cross pendant, 'Okellaris', with concave-sided flared arms in pattée form and five ring-and-dot ornaments arranged across the face, worn as a sign of Christian faith and protection. An integral D-shaped suspension loop rises from the upper arm, set perpendicular to the plane of the cross for cord-wearing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eEach arm and the centre carry a punched ring-and-dot: a small central pit encircled by a stamped ring, with pale orange earthen fill still held in the recesses. One ornament sits at the crossing, one on each side arm and one on the foot; the fifth sits just above the crossing, leaving the long upper arm otherwise plain. The ring-and-dot was one of the most widespread ornaments of its world, often read as a protective eye or sun sign carried on the body alongside the cross itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Byzantine\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 26 mm; Width: 15 mm; Thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Dark olive-brown patina with earthen deposits settled in the punched ornaments; arm tips and loop intact; one lower edge chipped; reverse plain and worn smooth.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-60-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eFlat cast pectoral crosses with flared pattée arms and an integral suspension loop were made across the Byzantine world, cast in simple two-part moulds and finished by hand with punches and files. Worn on a cord against the chest, they served devotional and protective purposes, a daily sign of faith for layperson and cleric alike. Ring-and-dot ornament was added with a hollow punch and belonged to the same vocabulary as the cross itself, often read as a mark against the evil eye. The form compares with small excavated crosses that carry five ring-and-dots on the crossing and arms, among them Penn Museum 31-50-258A and B and a grave find published by Uygun Yazıcı (2024, cat. 2).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorn against the body, the cross pendant carried its owner's faith as a daily plea for protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/orthodox-crosses-encolpia\"\u003eByzantine and Medieval cross pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958783754570,"sku":"CP-60-B","price":180.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-okellaris-with-pattee-arms-and-five-ring-and-dot-o-1.jpg?v=1792222892"},{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-rotunda-9th-12th-c-ring-and-dot","title":"Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Rotunda' (9th–12th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Medieval bronze cross pendant, 'Rotunda', carries nine ring-and-dot ornaments across a Latin cross with budded terminals, a protective sign worn against the body. An integral cast loop at the top completes the pendant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe obverse bears nine recessed concentric circles, two on each arm and one at the crossing, each a punched ring enclosing a central dot. The arms end in rounded buds flanked by small triangular cusps at the junctions, giving the cross a flowering silhouette. The reverse is left plain. Ring-and-dot is one of the most widespread ornaments of the Medieval world and was often read as a protective eye or sun sign, here multiplied across a cross as a Christian charm carried on the body.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Medieval\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 44 mm; Width: 33 mm; Thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Complete with intact suspension loop; even green and earthen patina across the flat plate; light surface wear with the ring-and-dot ornaments well defined on the obverse and the reverse smooth and plain.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-61-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eFlat cast pendant crosses of this family were produced in quantity during the Medieval centuries, cut or cast from thin bronze plate and finished with punched ornament rather than figural engraving. The outline, flaring arms ending in rounded terminals flanked by small paired cusps, is comparable to type 3 in Cleymans and Talloen 2018. Budded or lobed arm terminals and ring-and-dot decoration belong to a long tradition of personal crosses worn on a cord at the neck, serving as everyday devotional objects and amulets. The cross itself was held to be the strongest protection against evil, and pendant crosses were worn to ward off threats such as the evil eye.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorn at the neck, the cross pendant placed faith and a guarding sign close to the wearer's heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/orthodox-crosses-encolpia\"\u003eMedieval cross pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958785786186,"sku":"CP-61-B","price":250.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-rotunda-with-nine-ring-and-dot-ornaments-across-bu-1.jpg?v=1792222930"},{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-gemmata-10th-13th-c-ce-red-cabochon","title":"Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Gemmata' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Medieval bronze cross pendant, 'Gemmata', carries equal arms with concave sides that flare to paired knob terminals, and a red cabochon set in a raised central collet. A flat cast lug at the top of the upper arm served for suspension against the chest, where the cross marked Christian faith and asked protection on the wearer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe cross is built as four equal arms with concave sides that widen outward, each ending in a pair of rounded knobs at its corners; one knob of the lower arm is lost. A circular collet rises at the crossing and holds a red cabochon of stone or glass, cracked and partly lost in its bezel. A ring-and-dot marks each surviving knob and the middle of each arm, an ornament often read as a protective eye that turned misfortune away from the wearer. The reverse is plain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Medieval\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 68 mm; Width: 55 mm; Thickness: 4 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Even grey-green patina across the plate with brighter bronze where handled; the central cabochon cracked with partial loss in its collet; suspension lug intact; one corner knob of the lower arm lost.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-62-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eOffered in its original condition with no modern repairs. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003ePectoral crosses of flat cast bronze with flaring arms and knob terminals were worn across the Medieval Christian world. The paired knob terminals are comparable to type 5 in Cleymans and Talloen 2018. A central setting for a coloured stone or glass cabochon added the colour of a jewelled cross to a cast bronze pendant, borrowing the format of grander gem-set processional and altar crosses. The knobs are most likely meant as buds, carrying the old reading of the cross as the living tree that sprouts new life from the wood of the Crucifixion. Worn on a cord beneath the clothing, such a cross served both as a devotional sign and a daily request for protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAgainst the body, the cross pendant held its wearer's prayer for protection close to the heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/orthodox-crosses-encolpia\"\u003eMedieval cross pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958786703690,"sku":"CP-62-B","price":620.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-gemmata-with-flaring-arms-paired-knob-terminals-an-1.jpg?v=1792222967"},{"product_id":"roman-bronze-phallus-pendant-felix-1st-3rd-c-ce","title":"Roman Bronze Phallus Pendant - 'Felix' (1st–3rd c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Roman bronze phallus pendant, 'Felix', is a solid-cast phallic amulet, most likely a fascinum worn to draw the evil eye away from its wearer and to call luck and fertility to the body. An integral dorsal loop rises from the midpoint of the shaft, open enough for a cord or a fine chain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe piece is modelled in the round as a phallus, with a tapered glans at one end and a prominent spherical terminal knob at the other; a smaller rounded protrusion sits beside the terminal. The underside is smoothly convex. There is no bezel and no inscription. In Roman practice such amulets, called fascina, were apotropaic charms: the frank image was meant to catch and avert envy before it reached the wearer, and the same object stood for luck and fertility.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 30 mm; Width: 18 mm; Thickness: 5 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Complete with suspension loop intact; deep green and red cuprous patina across the whole surface with scattered brighter spots; wear softens the modelled detail without obscuring the form.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-63-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eFascina were personal amulets of the Roman world, cast in bronze, bone and precious metal in forms ranging from miniature pendants to larger charms hung in doorways and on carts. The suspension loop on this example shows it was meant to be worn against the body, probably on a cord around the neck or at the waist. Roman authors from Varro to Pliny describe the fascinum as a defence against invidia, the envious glance thought to bring sickness and misfortune, and such pendants were given to children and adults alike. The frank image carried no shame in that context; it worked precisely because it arrested the eye.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorn at the throat or waist, the pendant turned an ancient fear of the envious glance into a daily charm of luck and protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/roman-empire-charms\"\u003eRoman pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958841131338,"sku":"CP-63-B","price":400.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/roman-bronze-phallic-amulet-pendant-felix-with-dorsal-suspension-loop-three-quar-1.jpg?v=1792223038"},{"product_id":"roman-bronze-hand-pendant-manicula-1st-3rd-c-ce-hand-amulet","title":"Roman Bronze Hand Pendant - 'Manicula' (1st–3rd c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA cast Roman bronze pendant-amulet, 'Manicula', made as a closed fist with the thumb pushed between index and middle finger: the mano fica, worn against the evil eye. A short collared wrist leads to an integral pierced suspension loop, intact for cord or chain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe fist shows one folded finger on one side of the thumb and three on the other, their knuckles cut as a stepped row. The thumb is cast long and straight, an exaggeration typical of small fica pendants that makes the gesture readable at a glance. The fica was an obscene sign, meant to catch the envious gaze and turn it away from the wearer before it could bring misfortune.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 27 mm; Width: 16 mm; Thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Dark green and brown patina with earthen deposits; wear smooths the knuckles and the tip of the thumb; suspension loop intact and complete.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-64-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eCast fica-hand pendants belong to the Roman family of apotropaic amulets, made by lost-wax casting in bronze with an integral loop for a cord or chain and finished by hand. The British Museum's catalogue of Roman jewellery lists the type among its amuletic pendants, beside the phalli (Marshall 1911, no. 2964). The fica worked like the phallic fascinum: its sexual charge was thought to distract the evil eye and break its force. Charms of this kind were worn by adults and children alike, often strung together with other protective devices.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorn against the body, 'Manicula' made the fica a constant guard against envy for its owner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/roman-empire-charms\"\u003eRoman pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958842409290,"sku":"CP-64-B","price":350.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/roman-bronze-hand-pendant-manicula-seen-from-the-side-with-extended-finger-and-p-1.jpg?v=1792223090"}],"url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/collections\/early-access.oembed","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}