Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A striking porcelain icon depicting the Mother of God (Theotokos) as the Virgin Hodegetria. According to legend, this icon restored the eyesight of two blind men - hence, the name Hodegetria meaning, "She who gives sight" or "shows the way." The Virgin holds the Child in her left hand while the baby Jesus, dressed in a regal himation gives benediction. The icon is covered with a gilt brass oklad with wonderful raised, cut halos. Mary's robe is also embellished with floral motifs and the Christ Child's robes are delineated with marvelous drapery folds. The entire composition of the oklad is surrounded by a beautiful, braided design, while an inscription is located at the bottom and the wooden backing is covered by a scarlet-hued cloth. Size: 8.25" W x 10.5" H (21 cm x 26.7 cm)

The oklad or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover - in this case gilt brass - that not only protects the icon, but also serves to honor or venerate the figure(s) depicted on the icon. Oklads are usually adorned with repousse work and pierced to reveal elements of the underlying painting as we see in this example.

Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Some icons are encased in precious metal covers (oklads) like this example. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#162106

Repair to child's face with break lines visible. Some bending to brass on top periphery and in upper right corner, but form is still clear. Some staining to cloth backing. Otherwise, very nice.