**Originally Listed At $200**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 18th century CE. A beautiful and ornate bronze cross pendant with complex iconography. One side depicts the Orthodox cross, with two cross bars at the top and a slanted cross bar at the bottom. The remains of brilliant cornflower blue enamel are visible on the lower part of the front. On the left and right of the cross bar are the letters "IC" and "XC" respectively, the abbreviation for Christ. Below that, in Cyrillic, is an abbreviation for the "King of Glory." In the topmost arm, also in Cyrillic, is "Son of God," while in Cyrillic on the bottom arm it reads "NIKE," referring to the Greco-Roman goddess of Victory, an abbreviation meaning "Christ Conquers." Flanking the cross are a spear and a cane, while below it is a skull, meant to be the skull of Adam. On the reverse, in densely cast, archaic Cyrillic, is the "Cross Prayer." Size: 1.45" W x 3.2" H (3.7 cm x 8.1 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#124851

Dark patina on surface. Nice details.