Ancient Christian Reliquary Cross, Byzantine Era
Circa 9th – 10th century AD - Bronze - 110 x 52 mm -- 4.25 x 2.1 inches - Weight 186.2gm
Ancient Byzantine bronze Reliquary Cross of substantial size and museum quality appearance. This exceptional artifact is a two part, hinged cross – complete and intact - beautifully toned with a smooth earthy olive patina.
This is a finely crafted reliquary cross featuring an image of the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus in front of her, her hands on his shoulders, with busts of saints or apostles (probably Peter and Paul) at either end of the cross bar, with an inscription above the Virgin Mary. The reverse features a rondel with the Bust of Jesus facing, a radiant nimbus around his head, with additional geometric designs.
The reliquary was constructed to contain a holy relic such as a saint’s bone or soil from a holy site.
