"Big body Cross - Reliquary of Kievan Rus. Encolpion."
15th century. Kiev or Novgorod. About 1450.
Size: 76 x 50 mm
Technique & Material: Casting, bronze.
Description: Encolpion consists of two flaps which together form reliquary. In ancient times in it was kept particle of the holy relics or the so-called "Secondary relics" - items that are in close contact with the relics or correlated with them through the liturgical practice of the Orthodox Church. This cross is in very good condition, the outer surfaces are covered with noble patina. The "head" of encolpion fortunately also preserved - what is actually very rare. On the inner surface of the front flap presents the remnants of a dark resin. From other findings of similar items it is known that in the resin of encolpion in some cases kept sacred relics.
Cross composed of two separate flaps connected between themselves. Inside the cross there is a sacred place for the saint relics.
This encolpion has rounded ends, on which are arranged clearly designed medallions with images of saints. The image in the center
on the front flap - relief composition of the Crucifixion of Christ. By sides of him - the image of the Mother of God and St. John
Theologian. In the upper and lower medallions - the images of Archangels. The reverse side of the cross - the relief composition of St. Demetrius Solunsky and George the Victorious in military armor in a full-length. On the ends of the cross rays - medallions with images of saints. Widespread of the cross encolpion in pre-Mongol Russia is recognized by experts as an exceptional phenomenon in the world
historical-cultural practices. Encolpion was the subject of personal piety, especially denoting the involvement of the faithful to the Church and their solidarity with it; at the same time they were carrying and symbolic protective function, associated with the cult of the holy relics. Images on the encolpion were figurative presentation of the fundamentals Christian doctrine.
Chronicles and archaeological evidence suggests that all encolpion owners were more or less wealthy. Among the owners of encolpion are known princes, vigilantes, wealthy artisans.
Among archaeologists the finding of the cross-encolpion in the cultural layer of the city considered a confirmation of accommodation in this city of people with the high-social status.
Condition: Very good state of preservation, for age about half a millennium.
A rare example of the museum level.
Please ask for more information about the icon and it's provenance.
High Resolution Images: fragments.
Price: EUR 1350.-
Большой Нательный Крест- Реликварий Киевской Руси . Энколпион.
15 век.Киев или Новгород. Около 1450.
Размер: 76 х 50 мм
Бронза , литье.
Высокое качество: фрагменты.
Цена: EUR 1350.-