**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, Holy Land, early Byzantine Empire, ca. 5th to 12th century CE. A beautiful cast-brass reliquary comprised of two crosses fit together and topped with a tubular suspension loop where it previously opened to hold a relic. The Latin cross pendant is skillfully embellished with an image of the Virgin of Orans, or the Orthodox Christian depiction of the Virgin Mary in prayer, shown haloed with her arms extended upward. Her bulbous chest decorated with a flame-like motif and striped lines as well as her long dress adorned with an "x" surrounded by a zig-zag border highlight her abstracted form, indicating that the emphasis is on her holiness rather than her physical body. The word "KOIENO" in Greek letters is shown above the Virgin, likely a reference to the Greek word "Koinonia" or communion in the body and blood of Christ. Lovely striped borders are featured at the end of each arm of the cross, while two loaf-like ornaments flank the Virgin. Size: 2" W x 4.25" H (5.1 cm x 10.8 cm) Chain Size: 22" L (55.9 cm)

The verso is intricately carved with a cross with corseted arms and latticework diamonds on each end. The concentric circle motif found at the center of the cross may represent the reflective qualities of mirrors, which were believed to deflect the devil in the Byzantine world.

Relics - physical remains of saints or objects associated with Christ, such as pieces of the True Cross, the shroud His body was wrapped in, or the Holy Grail - held tremendous power in early Christianity. Reliquaries, objects designed to hold relics, were usually kept in cathedrals or churches, but some wealthy individuals were able to possess them. The less wealthy could purchase small reliquaries containing less precious items like soil from a holy site, or metal items produced as a form of souvenir from shrines. Later, many of these objects were destroyed in times of religious conflict or strife; ones that are intact, like this one, have often been passed down through generations of families.

An identical reliquary of bronze with heavier green patina is listed at Barakat Gallery under the SKU SP.505 for $9000. In addition, the Metropolitan Museum of Art also has a similar copper alloy reliquary that can be found in Gallery 303 under accession number 2000.526.2.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158464

Wearable as shown with modern stringing and clasp. Expected surface wear with light softening of details and nicks/chips to peripheries. Likely able to open, but pin is tightly in place. Otherwise, intact and excellent with gorgeous russet and seafoam green patina.