Near East/Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 9th century CE. A beautiful, fascinating object from a wealthy Byzantine home or church - a round, spoke-like component of a candelabrum. A symmetrical, segmented, openwork motif gives the piece a clock-like appearance, as do the cogged edges, at least to the modern eye - but in antiquity, this bronze disc would have been held by its three openwork bronze chains, which are still present here, and suspended from a stand by the heavy hook. Candles or lamps would have been set into the round areas of the surface. Size with chains fully suspended: 11.55" W x 13" H (29.3 cm x 33 cm)
Bronze furniture was a luxury item in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire that followed, reserved only for the richest households. Even there, they seem to have been heirlooms; some scholars believe that they were passed down through multiple generations, gaining additions like crosses, new lids, or new feet to suit changing decorative styles. Imagine how the light would have played off of this when it was new and polished to shine!
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#139578
Condition
Rich green patina on surface, with light deposits. Chains are still intact, with many of the hinges functional. Small loss to one of the rings for connecting the chain to the body, but otherwise in excellent condition.