Byzantine World

Physical identification

Byzantine coins, seals, crosses, ceramics, glass and devotional objects. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Religious objects may have church histories.
• Small bronzes and crosses are heavily reproduced.
• The Byzantine world spans many jurisdictions.

Provenance and lawful movement

Determine likely source country or countries, the date the object left, applicable patrimony laws, export-certificate requirements and destination-country import restrictions.

Authenticity and conservation

Condition and authenticity can be intertwined. Artificial deposits, modern joins and restored surfaces may disguise manufacture. No single photograph, certificate or test proves the complete history of an object.