{"product_id":"byzantine-bronze-ring-theoxena-8th-11th-century-ce-ancient-scalloped-bezel-ring-and-dot-apotropaic-jewelry","title":"Byzantine Bronze Ring - 'Theoxena' (8th–11th c. CE) EU 53 \/ US 6.5","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Byzantine cast bronze ring, named 'Theoxena', carries a scalloped oval bezel divided into four quadrants, each stamped with a ring-and-dot motif and framed by fields of finely punched stippling. The composition forms an implicit cross, a quiet geometric prayer echoing the apotropaic 'eye' symbolism of the middle Byzantine world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra: Byzantine, 8th–11th c. CE\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 53 \/ US 6.5\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Untouched original state, with a varied earthy patina of cuprite, tenorite, and traces of malachite; natural wear gradient on the bezel bosses\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: From a private Belgian collection, acquired between the 1960s and 1990s\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-213-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\u003eRing-and-dot motifs, known to scholars as Kreisaugenpunze, were among the most enduring protective symbols of the Byzantine world, understood as watchful eyes warding off harm. Cast in provincial workshops across Anatolia and the Balkans, rings of this type were worn by men and women alike as everyday amulets and modest personal seals. 'Theoxena' belongs to this widespread tradition of wearable medieval jewelry, its geometric program echoing the cruciform designs documented on comparable 8th–11th century pieces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy This Piece?\u003cbr\u003eAn original Byzantine ring with an intact patina and legible iconography, 'Theoxena' offers the collector an authentic ring with engraved iconography that still reads clearly a millennium after it was buried. Its quiet geometry sits comfortably on the modern hand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/byzantine-rings\"\u003eByzantine rings\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62790633128266,"sku":"R-213-B","price":180.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/byzantine-bronze-ring-theoxena-with-scalloped-bezel-and-four-ring-and-dot-motifs-1.jpg?v=1784789259","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/byzantine-bronze-ring-theoxena-8th-11th-century-ce-ancient-scalloped-bezel-ring-and-dot-apotropaic-jewelry","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}