Signet Rings with Mythical Creatures from Medieval Bulgaria
Signet Rings with Mythical Creatures from Medieval Bulgaria

Summary/Abstract: The subject of this article are several signet rings with mythological images found on the territory of medieval Bulgaria. They are dated back to the period of the Middle Ages (12th-14th centuries) and constitute one of the rarest category of monuments among the group of signet rings. Various mythological creatures are engraved on them – chimera, griffin, and dragon. Regarding the question about the place of manufacture of the rings, we cannot give a definite answer. Some of them were probably made in Constantinople while the others could be the products of local craftsmen. Recent studies have shown the existence of a well-organized and developed production of art metal in Bulgarian Middle Ages. Numerous examples of objects in various types have reached to our days. There are images of animals and mythical creatures on them which made entirely possible their local production.

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