Description:

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful and ornate silver cross pendant with a complex iconography. One side depicts the Orthodox cross, with two cross bars at the top and a slanted cross bar at the bottom. On the left and right of the cross bar are the letters "IC" and "XC" respectively, the abbreviation for Christ. Below that, in Cyrillic, is an abbreviation for the "King of Glory". In the topmost arm, also in Cyrillic, is "Son of God", while in Cyrillic on the bottom arm it reads "NIKE", referring to the Greco-Roman goddess of Victory, an abbreviation meaning "Christ Conquers". Flanking the cross are a spear and a cane, while below it is a skull, meant to be the skull of Adam. On the reverse in archaic Cyrillic, is the "Cross Prayer." The cross hangs from a heavy linked chain, also of silver. A beautiful example of this style of artwork, with excellent detail - one of the finest we have seen! Size: 56" L (of strand); 2.45" W x 4.5" H (142.2 cm; 6.2 cm x 11.4 cm); 190 grams.

Stamped on the bottom with several silver hallmarks, including one saying it is "84" silver (indicating .925 sterling) and another showing St. George, the mark for Moscow. Another one seems to say, "AS" but it is not quite possible to read it.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124667

  • Condition: Light patina from age and handling; excellent condition.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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