Romano-British Openwork Bronze Brooch

The Romano-British culture, c. 100-200 AD, Britain

Excellent small-sized non-enamelled cast bronze brooch with intricate openwork decoration forming abstract geometric patterns and features a well-preserved hinged pin fixed between two lugs on the back of the brooch with a thin horizontal catch plate. Brooches were an important element of dress in Roman Britain, used as clothes fasteners, but also often highly decorative, and important markers of social status for both men and women, from the Bronze Age onwards.

Very good condition. Wear consistent with age. Surface scratches and corrosion. Complete with hinged pin (moveable). Encrustation. Beautiful russet patina with some verdigris. Size approx. 2,5cm x 1,9cm x 0,9cm. 

Provenance: private collection from Denmark

References and further reading:

Brooches in Late Iron Age and Roman Britain, D. F. Mackreth, Oxbow Books, 2023.

A Visual Catalogue Of Richard Hattatat's Ancient Brooches, Reprinted from his fourth book 'Ancient Brooches and other Artefacts', Martyn Gleaden Blog, 2014 (http://martyngleaden.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Hattatt-A-Visual-Catalogue-Of-Ancient-Brooches.pdf)

Roman Brooches in Britain: A Technological and Typological Study based on the Richborough Collection, Justine Bayley & Sarnia Butcher, The Society of Antiquaries of London, 2004. (https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/50365/1/SAL_RR_vol_68.pdf)