Bracelet
- Artist Culture
- Roman, 753 BC–395 AD,
or Byzantine, 394–1204, 1261–1453 - Period
- Late Antique period, 284–c.700 AD,
Early Byzantine period, 330–610 AD - Date
- 4th century
- Material
- Gold
- excavated in
- Tartous, Tartus governorate, Levant, Roman Empire, Syria, Asia
- associated with
- Tartous, Byzantine Empire, Syria, Asia
- Classification
- Jewelry & personal accessories, metalwork
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 208
- Dimensions
- 1 5/16 x 4 1/8 in. (3.4 x 10.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 54:1924
NOTES
Originally part of a set (with a matching bracelet and bell, now in Berlin), this bracelet likely functioned as a betrothal or bridal gift to a woman of high social standing. The central section contains a Greek inscription that reads: “Pretty one, wear [it] in good health.” This intricate bracelet serves as a splendid example of the extraordinary craftsmanship of Byzantine artisans and their use of an open metalwork technique known as opus interrasile.
Provenance
by 1913 -
Private Collection [1]
by 1922 - 1924
Kouchakji Frères, New York, NY, USA, purchased from private collection [2]
1924 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Kouchakji Frères [3]
Notes:
[1] A letter dated January 4, 1922, from the dealer Kouchakji Frères indicates that the bracelet was excavated by 1913 from Tartous, Mount Lebanon, Syria. The excavator kept the bracelet in his collection until his death, after which Kouchakji Frères purchased it from the excavator's heirs [SLAM document files].
[2] See note [1].
[3] Invoice, dated May 19, 1924 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, June 4, 1924.
Private Collection [1]
by 1922 - 1924
Kouchakji Frères, New York, NY, USA, purchased from private collection [2]
1924 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Kouchakji Frères [3]
Notes:
[1] A letter dated January 4, 1922, from the dealer Kouchakji Frères indicates that the bracelet was excavated by 1913 from Tartous, Mount Lebanon, Syria. The excavator kept the bracelet in his collection until his death, after which Kouchakji Frères purchased it from the excavator's heirs [SLAM document files].
[2] See note [1].
[3] Invoice, dated May 19, 1924 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, June 4, 1924.