{"product_id":"byzantine-silver-ring-klados-10th-14th-c-ce-intaglio-disc-bezel","title":"Byzantine Silver Ring - 'Klados' (10th–14th c. CE) EU 60 \/ US 9.25","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Byzantine silver ring named 'Klados', engraved with what is most likely a stylised flowering cross between two palm branches, a Christian sign of faith, protection and eternal life. The large flat disc sits on a plain strip hoop, the two probably cast together.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Engraving:\u003cbr\u003eInside an engraved border, two crosses stand foot to foot on one shaft with a small dot at its centre, each with its three free arms ending in V-shaped forks; a herringbone palm branch runs down either side, the two pointing in opposite directions. The forked, branching ends make the device most likely a stylised flowering cross, the cross that puts out shoots like a living tree. Forked crosses and crosses between palm branches are long-established Christian designs, found on Early Christian and Byzantine lamps, clay flasks and rings. A double-barred cross between branches is the other possible reading. For the wearer the design joined three promises: the cross for faith and protection carried on the hand, the flowering cross for the tree of life and the resurrection, the palms for victory over death and paradise.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Byzantine\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Silver\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: EU 60 \/ US 9.25\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Intact and cleaned, with a finely granular, pitted surface; the engraving softened by wear, old deposit in its grooves; a small rim notch and a slight step where one hoop end meets the disc\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private family collection assembled in the 1960s, later inherited by the previous owner (K.V.D., Belgium).\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: R-585-S\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eOffered in its original, cleaned condition with no modern repairs. The piece has already been cleaned, so a restoration service is not available for it.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eThe ring belongs to a well-documented Byzantine family of flat disc bezels on narrow strip hoops, comparable in form to Davidson's types O and Q. The broad face was made to carry a device, and rings of this family often served as amulets as much as ornaments, some with short prayers to the Lord engraved around the hoop. The cross was among the favourite ring devices of the period, often cut in the same quick, linear style: worn on the hand, it declared its owner's faith and was trusted to keep harm away. Cut in intaglio, a device like this one also printed in positive when pressed into wax, so the same sign could serve as its owner's seal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one engraved disc, the ring carried its owner's faith, a prayer for protection and the hope of life beyond death.\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":63679873319242,"sku":"R-585-S","price":560.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/byzantine-byzantine-fine-jewelry-10th-14th-c-ce-silver-12.jpg?v=1790373918","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/byzantine-silver-ring-klados-10th-14th-c-ce-intaglio-disc-bezel","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}