EASTERN ROMAN/BYZANTINE CROSS - Gold and Glass Cabochon
Circa 500-800 AD
A museum quality Early Christian cross crafted of nearly pure gold (23+ carat) in an exceptional state of preservation. (38 x 32 mm – 1.5” Tall, 4.77 grams). Rare!
A beautiful gold pectoral Latin cross crafted in almost pure gold. Intricate granulated bead design set with a glass cabochon center “stone” that has developed a stunning blue/green iridescence. There is a small suspension loop on the top of the vertical bar so that it can be worn as a pendant on a chain.
Reference:
1) Item Nr I.6.10b in the exhibition catalog “Kreuz und Kruzifix”, Diocese Museum of Friesing Germany, 2005 for another gold cross constructed of soldered beads.
2) Israel Museum of Jerusalem, exhibition catalog “The Cradle of Christianity”, 200, page 141 for another gold cross with central blue glass cabochon.
Provenance: Private East Coast Collection, ex-Artemis Gallery.
Byzantine lives were centered on an ordered Christian hierarchy offering salvation through Christ. By the 5th and 6th centuries, the cross replaced the Chi-Rho as the standard emblem of religious devotion. Its meaning transcended that of the simple monogram to visually recall the crucifixion. The cross was worn by individuals from every social stratum, from the elaborate bejeweled golden cross of the patriarch to the simple crosses of the common man.
