Eastern Mediterranean, Late Byzantine, ca. 11th to 12th century CE. A wonderful marble tile inlaid in enamel with an image of Christ Enthroned and the Greek Christogram ICXC (IC to Christ's right and XC to Christ's left). ICXC is a combination of letters that forms an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ. Created during the Late Byzantine Empire during an era when artisans created breathtaking and richly symbolic tiles and mosaics. The image of Christ Enthroned is expertly inlaid in hues of red, blue, green, white and black with intricate detailing and Christ sitting upon a throne. He holds a gospel and is set in a pose reminiscent of Christ as Pantocrator or "Almighty" or "All-Powerful" signifying the "Sustainer of the World." Size: 4" (10.2 cm) x 3-7/8" (9.8 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private W. O'Keefe collection, Randolph, NJ. A provenance tag attached to the reverse reads "ATHENS . . ."

Expected chipping to peripheries and some surface wear and losses as shown.