Stephanos Chrysographos, ostiarios, 2nd half 11th century. Seal (Lead, 28 mm, 19.19 g, 12 h). MHP ΘV Mother of God 'Episkepsis', nimbate, standing facing, raising both hands in prayer, medallion of Christ on her chest. Rev. +ΘKЄ R,Θ, / TⲰ CⲰ Δ૪Λ, / CTЄΦAN, OCT,/API TO XPV/COΓPAΦ, in five lines. Cf. Sandrovskaja/Seibt 63 (protospatharios and koitonites). Apparently unpublished. An attractive Byzantine seal struck on an oversized blank. Very fine.


'Chrysographos' is interpreted by Sandrovskaja and Seibt as a family name, which originated in the profession of miniature engraving. It can also be interpreted as a sobriquet, 'the Miniature Engraver'.