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Byzantine jewellery

What is Byzantine?

It was an empire or Eastern Roman Empire during the middle ages (AD 330-1450).it was situated

in the capital of Constantinople, and it was ruled by Byzantine emperors. Today Constantinople is

known as Istanbul. The languages that were spoken were medieval Greek and Latin and their government was autocracy. this empire existed for more than a thousand years. it was one of

the most powerful economic, cultural and military forces in Europe.

The combination of sapphires ,emeralds and pearls set in a

decoratively pierced gold and the shape of the pendant suggests

the influence of Byzantine pieces .

The mosaic portrait of the

empress Theodora at San

Vitale.

jewelleryMaterials that they use:

*Gold*Silver

*Enamel*Pearls

*Precious and semi precious stonesJasper ,Sardonyx, Lapis lazuli , agates and rock crystal

were very popular in the Byzantine era. Colour stones were one of Byzantine jewellery

characteristics.Champleve and cloisonné enamelling was extremely

popular in their jewellery as well ,especially cloisonné.

A Byzantine crown made of gold and cloisonné enamel plaques, given by Constantine IX to king

Andrew of Hungary in the 11th century. it has engravings of empress Theodora and the emperor.

A variety of designs were used by pagans and Christians. Christian themes started to emerge

in their jewellery in the 5th and 6th centuries .Christ, virgin Mary ,angels and saints

were normally represented in the jewellery.

A typical Byzantine earring design would have a central cross in a circle and often with peacock motifs and the earring would be shaped in a

crescent in gold repousse.Commonest wore pendants normally shaped as a

cross.Finger rings had Christian symbols on them.They believed that the peacock symbolised immortality and that the tree symbolised life.

Byzantine jewellery characteristics

The shape of the jewellery piece would either be long pendants and flat crescent shapes.

Rings would be inscribed or set with engraved gems.

Religious inscriptions was a typical form of decoration.

Bracelets would have a central roundel with a hinge on one side and a clasp on the other.

Precious and semi precious stones are used on jewellery pieces.

The change

When the Roman empire fell. The traditions remained in general use. within medieval jewellery from the 11th century onwards. brooches became penannuallar rings and

pendants were chased or enamelled crucifixes or religious motifs, often using holy relics.

Shoulder clasps from the royal ship burial .the red inlays are garnet inlays.

An example of the annular ring brooch. Men wore it on their shoulder and females wore it on their chest.

Byzantine architecture

Quick architecture

The vaults

A groin vault viewed from the underside, showing the arris or 'groin'.

Plan of the vault from above showing resultant outward thrust.

Vault from above.

ORDERS

CHARACTERISTICS OF HAGIA SOPHIA

HAGIA SOPHIA FLOOR PLAN

HAGIA SOPHIA INTERIOR