An ancient Byzantine Reliquary Cross of large size and museum quality appearance. This exceptional artifact is a two part, hinged cross – complete and beautifully toned with a smooth earthy olive patina. The cross is cast in two parts, and originally hinged top and bottom – the top pin is not existant. (86 x 50 mm - 3 3/8 x 2'')
Ancient Byzantine - circa 9th - 10th century AD
On the front, engraved in relief, is a figure of the crucified Christ. Christ has a cross nimbus on his inclined head, wears a colobium decorated with incised designs, and rests his feet on a suppedaneum. Above Christ’s head is a tabula ansata and representation of the sun and moon.
The reverse is blank. This reliquary was not intended as a pectoral, and was sealed without a suspension bail.
For a similar cross of this period, see Byzantium: Treasures of Byzantine Art #143 (British Museum).
The reliquary was constructed to contain a holy relic such as a saint’s bone or soil from a holy site.
