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 of crosses gives the piece a clock-like appearance, 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: Size: 14" W x 30" H (35.6 cm x 76.2 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; ex-Janet Zakos collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1980s
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#146231
Condition
Chain is in excellent condition with some slight bending to form. There are a few tiny notches in the edges of the base - possibly dents, possibly casting flaws - but otherwise this is in excellent condition with a beautiful mottled pale green patina.