Leon, bishop of Brioula, second half of 11th century. Seal (Lead, 20 mm, 6.84 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV - H ΦPONTHC Nimbate Mother of God 'Episkepsis', raising both hands in prayer, medallion of Christ in front. Rev. +AΓNH / ΛЄONTA / RPI૪ΛⲰN ΘVTHN CK/ΠOIC ('Pure maiden, may you protect Leon, priest of Brioula') in five lines, decorations flanking the last line. Laurent, Corpus V/1, no. 281. Wassiliou-Seibt, Corpus, no. 10. An important and attractive Byzantine bishop's seal. Very fine.


The obverse legend gives, quite prominently, the extremely rare epithet 'Phrontis' to the Mother of God, meaning that she is concerned for and attentive to the faithful. Brioula, or Bryelon, was a suffragan bishopric of the metropolis of Ephesos.