Byzantine Ivorywork, Bonework and Woodwork

Byzantine artisans were renowned for their skill in working with a variety of materials, among which ivory, bone, and wood stood as key mediums for creating both sacred and secular objects. These materials were valued for their durability, beauty, and symbolic significance, and their use evolved throughout the history of the Byzantine Empire, reflecting changes in religious, social, and political life.

Early Byzantine Period (4th – 7th Century).

During the early Byzantine period, ivory was one of the most prestigious materials, often used for luxury items that reflected the grandeur of both the imperial court and the Christian faith. Ivory carvings were employed to create diptychs, caskets, reliquaries, and icons. These objects were decorated with intricate religious scenes or imperial imagery, often designed to convey both devotion and power.

Diptychs, hinged two-panel works, were especially popular and commonly used by the elite for personal or public use. The relief carvings on these objects often depicted imperial figures, saints, or biblical scenes. The Veroli Diptych, a notable example, showcases the artistic fusion of imperial grandeur with Christian iconography, portraying the enthronement of the emperor alongside Christian symbols.

The use of ivory in caskets was also common, with these containers often housing relics of saints. These caskets were decorated with biblical narratives, saints, and angels, reflecting the growing Christian devotion that began to replace the classical Greco-Roman iconography. The intricate carvings of these objects were designed not only as functional pieces but also as visual declarations of religious and imperial power.

Middle Byzantine Period (8th – 12th Century).

During the middle Byzantine period, the development of ivory and bone craftsmanship was significantly affected by the Iconoclast Controversy (8th-9th century), which led to the temporary suppression of religious iconography. As a result, the use of ivory for large religious images decreased, but smaller devotional objects continued to be produced.

Ivory was still used in the creation of reliquaries, crosses, and liturgical objects, albeit with simpler designs. The focus shifted from monumental depictions of religious figures to more portable and personal items that could be used in private devotion. Additionally, bone carving became more common for smaller objects such as combs, pins, and figurines. Bone was more readily available than ivory and was often used for creating everyday items that were adorned with simple, yet elegant designs.

The middle Byzantine period also saw the increasing use of wood in the production of religious artifacts. Wooden icons became more common, and the iconostasis (the screen separating the altar from the congregation in a church) was often elaborately carved and painted. These wooden structures provided a vivid backdrop to the liturgical rites and were adorned with painted icons of saints, creating a visual connection between the sacred and the earthly.

Late Byzantine Period (13th – 15th Century).

The late Byzantine period, particularly during the Palaiologan Renaissance, witnessed a resurgence of artistic creativity, including in the realms of ivory and woodwork. Ivory carving became more refined, with a renewed emphasis on intricate, high-relief designs, and the combination of ivory with other luxurious materials such as gold leaf, enamel, and precious stones.

During this period, ivory icons became smaller and more portable, reflecting the increased mobility of the Byzantine elite. These icons were often carved with exquisite detail, reflecting the refined aesthetic of the late Byzantine era. The use of ivory was also expanded to create liturgical items such as chalices and crosses, which were decorated with religious scenes or figures of saints.

Wood, too, played an important role in this period, particularly in the production of altars, reliquaries, and iconostases. Wooden altars were elaborately decorated with carvings, often featuring biblical scenes or motifs that connected the material world with the divine. The iconostasis, which had become a central element in Byzantine churches, was often crafted from wood and adorned with carved reliefs and painted icons, creating a visual barrier between the sacred space of the altar and the congregation.

Significance and legacy.

The craft of ivory, bone, and wood in Byzantium evolved significantly over the centuries, reflecting the changing religious, political, and artistic priorities of the empire. From the early Christian period, where ivory was used for luxury items and religious icons, to the middle Byzantine period’s focus on smaller devotional objects and the late Byzantine period’s refinement of craftsmanship, these materials played a crucial role in the cultural and religious expression of the Byzantine Empire.

The mastery of these materials—whether through the intricate carving of ivory or the detailed woodwork in church furnishings—demonstrates the high level of artistry that defined Byzantine craftsmanship. The continued evolution of these materials in Byzantine art reflects the empire’s dedication to both its spiritual life and its imperial identity, ensuring that these works remain an enduring legacy of Byzantine culture.

Explore the works and masterpieces crafted in bone, wood, and ivory by Byzantine artisans.