**Originally Listed At $200**

Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 17th to early 18th century CE. A petite brass three bar cross pendant, the focus of the iconography being the Crucified Christ, with additional scenes in low relief surrounding him creating the ornate effect embraced by Orthodox religious art. The three-bar cross is the most symbolic and popular form in the Orthodox Church. The uppermost bar represents the banner reading "This is the King of the Jews" from Luke 23:38 that was nailed to the top of Christ's cross; the lowest bar represents the foot rest on Christ's cross. This is depicted as slanted, because it is believed that, in Christ's final moments, he kicked it out of place. The right side points upward to Heaven, and the left side points downward to Hell. Integral loop for suspension. Size: 2.25" W x 3.5" H (5.7 cm x 8.9 cm)

Here, the uppermost bar contains a scene of heaven with God the Father flanked by a pair of bowing winged angels. At the bottom of the cross is a skull which represents the skull of Adam, and below his feet are four letters meaning, "The place of the skull became Paradise," to remind us that Adam lost Paradise through forbidden knowledge, and Christ will return us to it.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#122737

Expected tarnish and wear commensurate with age. Suspension cord in photo is not included.