Description: Very fine exampleByzantine Reliquary Crosscirca 9th Century You are bidding on an authentic, beautiful example of a double-sided c. 9th century cast bronze alloy pectoral reliquary cross (enkolpion) measuring 4" high x 2.5" wide featuring a hinged base and a suspension loop for wear. Finely incised and fully intact (comprised of two crucifixes which fit together and a large tubular suspension loop with a trapezoidal base) this cross features obverse the Virgin Mary with halo surrounding her head, with her son Jesus Christ in front of her as the central imagery, and both figures are flanked by the Apostles Peter and John, and above her haloed head is the titular inscription ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑ, meaning “All Holy” or "All Hallowed". Mary is in “Orans” position for prayer with hands and arms raised toward heaven - an ancient symbol of a soul in union with God interceding on behalf of mankind. Each of the apostles also carry inscriptions which I am unable to translate. The reverse shows the hallowed bust of the Virgin, in a circle with I believe palm fronds on either side, also inscribed, above. This is a superb example of the type, finely engraved/incised, clean with rich bronze color and surface luster, minimal wear and intact, interior with light patina The hollow space inside such crosses were meant to hold small fragments/items believed to have originated from or been in association with Jesus, an Apostle, Saint or other Biblical figure. These fragments were frequently enclosed inside these bronze crosses, sealed and worn by the faithful. The tradition of obtaining and wearing pectoral crosses containing such relics became popularized by Helena who, as mother of Constantine The Great and with imperial funding, embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 326 AD. It was during this trip where she brought back many relics including a cross which she believed to have been the very same upon which Jesus was crucified. In time, reliquary crosses were not used solely for relics of the True Cross or other primary relics, such as the bone of a saint; instead, the large number of surviving crosses suggest they likely contained secondary relics, for instance, a piece of earth from a holy site or a piece of fabric made holy through contact with the body of a saint. Provenance: My father was a well-known numismatist, who had professional interest in ancient coins as well as personal interest in antiquities and unusual currency. He was the primary source for many of my acquisitions, in addition to auctions and other dealers. I began my collecting in this field in the 1950s when I was a teenager, and while I haven't added to it in over 25 years, I've enjoyed displaying these pieces for years. My father acquired this from a European dealer, and gave it to me for my collection c. 1975. Now it's time for the next "steward" - who can care for this object with the same respect and affection. Shipping insured is free to all U.S. locations. Shipping insured to all US locations (no APO addresses, I regret) overnight by Fedex, overseas priority international express, at cost. If you prefer a different service, contact me for costs. Payment is by Paypal, and due within 3 days of auction close; if you can't meet that time frame you must communicate with me or a non-payment claim will be filed automatically. 100% feedback and hundreds of satisfied customers, so bid and buy in confidence! Anything else you need to know, just ask! And thanks for bidding! Track Page Views WithAuctiva's FREE Counter
Price: 2700 USD
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
End Time: 2023-12-29T17:29:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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