The Belluno Treasure is an important Lombardic hoard found at Belluno, Italy in the nineteenth century that has been part of the British Museum's collection since 1897.[1]
Belluno Treasure | |
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Disc brooch from the Belluno Treasure displayed in the British Museum | |
Material | Gold and precious stones |
Size | 4.5 cm diameter (brooch) |
Created | 6th-7th Centuries AD |
Period/culture | Lombardic |
Present location | British Museum |
Identification | AF.529 |
The hoard was apparently found in a grave near the town of Belluno in the region of Veneto, northern Italy. Dating to the late 6th or early 7th centuries AD, the rich grave group probably belonged to a female member of the Lombardic court. It was later purchased by the curator and philanthropist Augustus Franks, who bequeathed it to the British Museum in 1897.[2]
The Belluno Treasure is largely composed of gold and gem-encrusted jewellery. The style of decoration from the hoard reflect contemporary fashions in the Mediterranean. It includes two gold cross pendants (one with punched ornamentation), a gold and garnet cloisonné disc brooch, a finger-ring, a gold pin with a terminus in the form of a hand (which may have once held a pearl), and gold beads.