Byzantine Bronze Chi Rho Signet Ring

$189.44

A Byzantine bronze signet ring comprising a narrow band and a circular seal inscribed with an encircled Christian Chi Rho symbol. The symbol is depicted in reverse, so the ring could be used to imprint the insignia in its proper form in wax. The ring features some light green patination across its surface. UK size M.

Date: Circa 9th-12th century AD
Condition: Fine condition. Some light green patination.

SOLD

SKU: FP-180 Category: Tags: ,

The Chi Rho symbol was formed by overlaying the Greek capital letters chi and rho (X and P) so that the vertical stroke of the rho passes through the centre of the chi. These characters were used as they were the first two characters of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Khristos; or Christ). This version of the symbol is contained within a circle, which may be representative of a wreath, symbolising Christ’s victory over death through the Resurrection. The symbol was adopted for use as a military standard by Constantine the Great, and from then onwards became part of the official imperial insignia of the Byzantine Empire. In the ancient world, personal handwritten signatures were not used as a sole means of identification, and so most documents required a seal, whereby the sender’s insignia could be pressed into wax in order to verify the authenticity of the document.

To disocver more about Byzantine art, please visit our relevant blog post: The Byzantine Empire, Art and Christianity.

Weight 3.3 g
Dimensions W 1.8 cm
Culture

Metal

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