**Originally Listed At $250**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 1800 CE. An enameled brass three bar cross, with the crucified Christ occupying the central space and smaller scenes in low relief detail surrounding him. A beautiful cornflower blue enamel inlay creates spots of bright color on each arm of the cross. This cross was made at a time when the Orthodox church was actively expanding through missionary activity, especially in the north (for example, the Chapel of Boris Gleb, founded during a 16th century mission to the Fennoscandians, helped determine the official border between Norway and Russia that is still used today). In order to support traveling priests on missions, bronze and brass religious objects were made that were small enough and light enough to be carried on long journeys through a difficult landscape. These crosses were widespread in Russia by the 17th century, and are often mentioned in the writings of Pushkin and Chekhov. Size: 2.6" W x 4.7" H (6.6 cm x 11.9 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#124847

Patina on surface with some wear to enamel.