A BRONZE AND NIELLO PENDANT RELIQUARY CROSS

Details
A BRONZE AND NIELLO PENDANT RELIQUARY CROSS
ASIA MINOR, 9TH TO 10TH CENTURY

Hinged at the bottom, the suspension loop forming part of the clasp at the top, decorated on one side with the figure of St. Peter, identified by an inscription, and on the other with the Virgin Mary, also identified by an inscription.
The surface oxidised; traces of gilding; some losses to niello; original clasp-pin lacking.
3 3/8in. (8.6cm.) high
Literature
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Brussels, Museés royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Splendeur de Byzance, 2 Oct.- 2 Dec. 1982, pp. 168-9, Br. 11-12
Paris, Musée du Louvre, Byzance - L'art byzantin dans les collections publiques françaises, 1992, nos. 225, 234

Lot Essay

Reliquary crosses were purchased at pilgrim centres and were designed to enclose a relic; normally part of the True Cross. They were generally worn around the neck. Such crosses, along with their relics, were produced in large numbers, being cast either from a mould or by means of the lost-wax process. They were frequently engraved with religious figures, the most common being the crucified Christ, but others such as the Virgin Mary and Saints George, Peter and John were also depicted in the 'orans' position with arms raised in prayer.

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