^Lot 80 A Byzantine Bronze Circular Breadstamp

From the ancient Near East, Byzantine period,ca. 500 - 600 AD. Solid bronze circular breadstamp. During the Roman era, bakeries were required to stamp their bread with an individual seal in order to trace the source of the loaves and to prevent fraud or theft of imperial supplies. Upon the birth of the Byzantine Empire, bread stamps were still used, although their purpose had significantly changed. Although varying greatly in size and shape, the common characteristic of Byzantine bread stamps was the emphasis in drawing fracture lines that indicated to the priest where to cut the loaf. These lines become even more important on Eucharistic stamps that marked the consecrated bread for communion. However, this circular bread stamp was likely used for more secular occasions as suggested by the inscription. The engraved name identifiies the breadmaker. 2-1/2"D x 1-1/2"H, intact.

Provenance: Ex-private New York Collection.

This lot will be sold not subject to a reserve. The starting price is the price at which the item can sell.