Description:

Byzantium/Eastern Roman Empire, Byzantine, ca. 8th to 12th century CE. A bronze reliquary cross with an incised depiction of a resurrected Christ on the front plate and a cross comprised of four fishes and circular inlays of mother of pearl on the back plate. The figure of Christ is quite abstract, and done in such a way as to suggest the detachment from the physical realm through resurrection. Though the cross is one of the simplest of forms, it is probably the most poignant and has become synonymous with Jesus Christ and spiritual rebirth. This is especially true for the faithful, and the Byzantine age was certainly one of fervent piety. The fish is also a Christian symbol. The Greek word for fish (ICHTUS), works as an acrostic for I = Jesus, C = Christ, TH = God's, U = Son, S = Savior. A reliquary is a receptacle for keeping or displaying sacred relics. For Christians, relics were objects connected with saints or the actual physical remains of saints. This pendant has a hinged pierced lug above for suspension. Custom lucite stand. Size: cross itself measures 4-3/8" (11.1 cm); with stand, 5-1/8" (13 cm). Provenance: Ex-private East Coast, USA collection. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #108685

  • Condition: Missing 2 of 5 inlays. Nicely aged surface with expected wear and minimal losses to edges. Overall very good.

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June 30, 2015 8:00 AM PDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000