Pages: 327-337

Byzantium united Classical Ancient and Oriental jewel traditions.
The Latin terms filum granum allow wide interpretations: filigree effect can be achieved in different ways. The filigree art of Syria and Egypt is closely connected with the Byzantine one.
Development of the world filigree shows that some style or technology stage may reach a higher level in one region. In Moravia, this is the tri-dimensional geometric style in 8th – 9th centuries. In Western Europe, this is the splendid style of 12th – 13th centuries. The technology treatise written by Theophiles in the early 12th century demonstrates interaction of Byzantine and West European jewel cultures. Filigree is described there as “beaded wire” or wire with runde perlen. The Russian term ńęŕíü shows the technological way of twisting. Sacral art of Athos developed the style of geometry brands in 13th – 14th centuries. The Eastern art used filigree of the most miniature dimensions and reached the acme of skill in spiral style. It is possible to define these acmes as some stoppages preventing further development.
The acme of Byzantine filigree is connected with creation of the band filigree of high relief and compact twisting. The resemblance in stylistic development and difference in technology between Western Europe and Russia suggests some common origins for both – the culture of Byzantium.

Keywords: Byzantium, Centre of Jewel Art, filigree