Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. late 19th century CE. A beautiful icon of Pantocrator Christ with a silver oklad cover (also riza or oclad which literally means trimming) and a gilt halo. The icon depicts Christ delivering a blessing and holding an open book of Gospels. The oklad is extensively embellished, the halo finely detailed with engraved rays and a skillfully cut openwork border, the holy book with engraved passages, the image identified with an inscription at the bottom center. A fine example with a beautifully painted image and an attractive ornamental oklad. Size: 4.4" W x 5.3" H (11.2 cm x 13.5 cm); silver quality: 88%

The most accepted translation of Pantocrator is "Almighty" or "All Powerful" and the visage of Jesus certainly projects his omnipotence. This iconic depiction continues to be a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christ gazes beyond the confines of the image, his visage finely delineated with naturalism that harkens back to the Renaissance, this in contrast to the stylized engraved oklad – resulting in a rich balance between naturalism and spiritual transfiguration.

The oklad (also spelled oclad) or riza, sometimes referred to as a revetment in English, is a metal cover 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 skillfully cut, engraved, and/or 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. Icons are not worshiped, but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As a focus for prayers and meditation for believers, icons serve as "windows into heaven."

Provenance: private Ojai, California, USA collection, by inheritance, collected before 2000

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Oklad is adhered to the icon via a nail behind the halo but is otherwise loose with some expected bending and small tears to peripheries and between upper edge and halo. Otherwise, intact and nicely preserved with good pigments and rich patina. Verso and sides of wood are covered in velvet, and a suspension loop on the verso allows for easy display.