Ancient Visigothic Gold Inlay Jeweled Bronze Buckle 6th Century AD Visigoths Iberia

An important Germanic Visigothic belt buckle from the Migration Period, 6th century AD, Kingdom of the Visigoth, Iberian Peninsula.

The buckle plate is rectangular and has been made using the Cloisonne technique.

The front surface of the buckle is adorned with lozenge-shaped natural lapis lazuli stone set in a solid gold setting. Green and cobalt blue glass and copper alloy straps surround it.

The rectangular plate has been connected to a thick oval loop by two hinges, with a prong for fastening. It also has three holes to attach the buckle to a leather belt.

This piece is exceptional due to its solid gold setting and the rare inclusion of lapis lazuli, a stone that was highly valued in both antiquity and the early medieval period.

Lapis lazuli was imported through the Silk Road route from eastern Afghanistan. It was a popular choice among the wealthy, signifying the wearer's high status and rank in the Visigoth Kingdom.

CONDITION: Overall, in beautiful condition, Cloisonne is intact, and bronze has a dark greenish patina. The hinged buckle and the prong are movable. One hinge is slightly split.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length: 51mm (2.01 inches)

Height: 40 mm (1.57 inches).

For related Visigothic belt buckles, please see the links below:

https://www.spurlock.illinois.edu/collections/sear...

https://art.thewalters.org/detail/34842/belt-buckl...

PROVENANCE: From an old Canadian collection. It was acquired by a previous owner in New York in the 1960s.