Byzantine cross

Byzantine cross
ITEM: Reliquary cross
MATERIAL: Silver
CULTURE: Byzantine
PERIOD: 10th - 13th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 50 mm x 35 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

A Byzantine cross is a significant religious symbol from the Byzantine Empire, reflecting the deep influence of Christianity in the region from the 4th to the 15th century. Byzantine crosses were crafted in a variety of forms, including simple Latin crosses, elaborate reliquary crosses, and the distinctive double-barred patriarchal cross. These crosses were made from materials such as bronze, silver, and gold, often adorned with enamel, gemstones, or intricate engravings. Many were worn as pendants for personal devotion, believed to offer spiritual protection to the wearer. The cross, as the central symbol of Christian faith, played a crucial role in Byzantine religious art, appearing in icons, mosaics, and church architecture, reinforcing its significance in both personal and public expressions of faith.

The decoration of Byzantine crosses was often rich with Christian iconography, including images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, angels, and saints. Some crosses featured inscriptions in Greek, such as IC XC NIKA ("Jesus Christ Conquers"), emphasizing the power of Christ over sin and death. Others bore intricate carvings of biblical scenes, reinforcing the connection between the cross and the salvation of humanity. One particularly notable type was the enkolpion, a reliquary cross worn by clergy or laypeople, which often contained small relics of saints or fragments of the True Cross. These sacred objects were not only symbols of faith but also served as protective amulets, believed to grant divine favor to their owners.

Byzantine crosses were highly valued in both religious and political contexts. Emperors and church leaders used them as symbols of divine authority, and they played a role in imperial ceremonies and military victories. The cross was prominently displayed in Byzantine churches, reinforcing the empire’s commitment to Orthodox Christianity. Even after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Byzantine cross remained an enduring symbol in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, influencing the religious art and practices of later Orthodox communities.

Measurement:

3.5 x 5 cm