Johannes, vestitor, 8th century. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 10.72 g, 12 h). Cruciform monogram ΘЄOTOKЄ BOHΘЄI. Rev. +IⲰ/ANNH BECTI/TOPI in four lines. Cf. Zacos/Veglery 395 (same name and title, but earlier). A rare and well-preserved early Byzantine seal of a court eunuch. Nearly extremely fine.



A vestitor was a eunuch associated with the imperial wardrobe. He would conserve the precious, richly embroidered garments and help clothe the imperial couple for court appearances and audiences. In later times, by the 9th century, the title had also become a court dignity for the 'bearded men', meaning non-eunuchs.