Gold bracelet with niello inlay

The bracelet consists of two identical semi-cylindrical sections joined together by cylindrical pins. The front of each sheet features five tangential circles enclosing birds, lions, winged griffins and other fantastical creatures within a rectangular vegetal frame inlaid with niello. All the forms are executed in high relief and complemented by pointillé decoration. Its material, gold, testifies to the wealth of its owner. It clearly adorned the arm of a lady of the Byzantine aristocracy, most likely from Constantinople.

PUBLICATION
Skampavias K. 2007. Catalogue no. 46, in Skampavias K.—Chatzidakis N. (eds), Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum.Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art, Athens, 57.