Lot 308
308
A BYZANTINE IRON PROCESSIONAL CROSS
A BYZANTINE IRON PROCESSIONAL CROSS

CIRCA 10TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.

Details
A BYZANTINE IRON PROCESSIONAL CROSS
circa 10th-12th century a.d.
With flaring arms terminating in projecting knobs at each tapering end, with fragments of a tongue at the foot, socketed below
16 in. (41.6 cm.) high

Lot Essay

Elaborate processional crosses in precious metal were often formed around an iron core. This iron cross may have been such a core, with the tongue and socket for attachment to the outer decoration. For an example see no. 23 in Evans and Wixom, The Glory of Byzantium.