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Byzantine jewellery
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 mosaic portrait of the
empress Theodora at San
Vitale.
Materials that they use:
*Gold
*Silver
*Enamel
*Pearls
*Precious and semi precious stones
Jasper ,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 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.
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.
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
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
