RARE ANTIQUE VIKING - AGE C. 10 - 13th CENT. LARGE RELIQUARY CROSS With SILVER NIELLO
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:43029637 | Type: Viking-age Cross pendant |
| Material: Bronze or similar copper alloy; niello engraving | Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown |
Rare antique medieval large (approx. 58 mm with rotating bale; weight approx. 14 g) two-sided Reliquary Cross pendant featuring engraved images of the crucified Savior and His Mother filled with silvery mixtureof metals known as niello (partially preserved). The obverse represents the Crucifixion, whereas the other side shows an image representing a Byzantine icon of Mary standing in a prayer position with extended arms. The frame of the pendantappears to have been hand made ...from bronze or similar copper alloy. Reliquarycrosses of similar design described in catalogs are dated c.10-13thcentury (please see the last two pictures for a reference). Such objects areoften called "Viking" because they are believed to have traveledacross Europe during the Viking Age, a period of Nordic military, mercantileand demographic expansion via the trade route called "From the Varangiansto the Greeks" connecting Scandinavia, Baltic countries, Kievan Rus andthe Byzantine Empire. The halves of the Cross appear to be locked, and are not opening or moving. It could not beexcluded that it was never opened since the original placing of a relic. Theitem shows visible signs of wear and old age such as small deformations, dentsor chipped off particles of metal and niello, scratches and original darkpatina accumulated over many centuries. The inside of the solid necklace baleshows signs of wear consistent with long continuous wearing. The size and weight of thependant are shown on the photographs for this listing. This Cross is a collectibleobject and is not recommended for wearing as jewelry because of its potentialfragility and unknown chemical composition.The Reliquary appears tobe locked with some remaining traces of the sealing still present between the halves; therefore, it could not be excluded that it was never openedsince the original placing of a relic inside and sealing of the halves with aspecial wax. Such relics would most likely be tiny pieces of the True Cross, orsomething that was touching them. The halves of the Cross are currently notopening, and I do not have any scientific means to find out if the wax isauthentic, and if there is any relic traces inside the reliquary. To me, it isa fascinating mystery making it so valuable. Pectoral Reliquary Cross(known as "Engolpion" or "Encolpion" in the EasternOrthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches) was originally worn by priests orbishops. The tradition started likely c. 9th century when relics of the TrueCross became venerated, and were carried in cross-shaped reliquaries like thisCross offered for sale, often made from silver or gold, and decorated withenamels, niello, and precious stones. Niello is a mixture of silver and othermetal sulphides used as an inlay on engraved metal jewelry. The ancientEgyptians are credited with starting niello decoration, which spread throughoutEurope during the late Iron Age, and is common in Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, Byzantine and other types of Early Medieval jewelry. Subsequently, laymenOrthodox and Catholic faithful also started wearing Cross-shaped reliquarieswith small pieces of various relics (usually associated with Christian Saints).The True Cross is the name for physical remnants from the cross upon whichJesus Christ was crucified. According to the ancient Church tradition, the TrueCross has been discovered by Saint Empress Helena during her pilgrimage to theHoly Land in year 326-328. Many Catholic and Orthodox churches possessfragmentary remains that are by tradition believed to those of the True Cross.Saint John Chrysostom relates that fragments of the True Cross were kept in reliquaries"which men reverently wear upon their persons". A fragment of theTrue Cross was received by King Alfred from Pope Marinus I (Anglo-SaxonChronicle, year 883). Most of the very small relics of the True Crosscirculated in Europe came from Constantinople, the city that was captured byCrusaders in 1204.Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The U.S. quarter coin, measuring meter and a decorative stone are not for sale, and photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference or artistic background. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International shipping is handled by Ebay Global Shipping Program. 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