Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross Enkolpion
17
days
22
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07
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54
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 550 - € 700
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Byzantine bronze reliquary cross pendant (enkolpion) in good condition dating to the 8th–10th century AD, size about 87 by 40 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A Byzantine bronze reliquary cross pendant, known as an enkolpion. The cross is constructed in two halves, in the traditional shape of a Latin cross, surmounted by an integral suspension loop.
The cross depicts Christ crucified in relief, elongated body with his arms outstretched along the cross. Smaller busts of Saints within the cross arms.
The reverse displays the Virgin Mary in orans pose. This is a traditional posture of prayer in Christianity characterized by standing with elbows close to the sides, hands outstretched sideways and palms up. Smaller busts of four Saints within the cross arms.
-> A well-preserved devotional object of personal piety. They could contain tiny sacred contents, such as relic fragments or blessed material, and served both as personal expressions of faith and as protective devotional objects.
Size: ± 87 x 40 mm
Condition: good solid condition, complete with hinge elements (rigid), and original suspension hook above. Smooth and appealing olive-brown patina and minor age-related wear and surface irregularities.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> The enkolpion was an important form of personal devotion in the Byzantine world. Worn around the neck, these crosses functioned not only as visible statements of Christian faith, but also as containers for relics or other sanctified substances. Because of this dual purpose, they occupied a special place between jewellery, liturgical object, and amulet.
Byzantine enkolpia often bore figures of Christ, the Virgin, saints, or holy attendants, rendered in simplified but expressive relief. They were used by clergy and lay believers alike, and examples survive from across the Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding regions. Objects such as this reflect the deeply personal nature of Byzantine piety, in which sacred protection was carried physically on the body.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
A Byzantine bronze reliquary cross pendant, known as an enkolpion. The cross is constructed in two halves, in the traditional shape of a Latin cross, surmounted by an integral suspension loop.
The cross depicts Christ crucified in relief, elongated body with his arms outstretched along the cross. Smaller busts of Saints within the cross arms.
The reverse displays the Virgin Mary in orans pose. This is a traditional posture of prayer in Christianity characterized by standing with elbows close to the sides, hands outstretched sideways and palms up. Smaller busts of four Saints within the cross arms.
-> A well-preserved devotional object of personal piety. They could contain tiny sacred contents, such as relic fragments or blessed material, and served both as personal expressions of faith and as protective devotional objects.
Size: ± 87 x 40 mm
Condition: good solid condition, complete with hinge elements (rigid), and original suspension hook above. Smooth and appealing olive-brown patina and minor age-related wear and surface irregularities.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
-> The enkolpion was an important form of personal devotion in the Byzantine world. Worn around the neck, these crosses functioned not only as visible statements of Christian faith, but also as containers for relics or other sanctified substances. Because of this dual purpose, they occupied a special place between jewellery, liturgical object, and amulet.
Byzantine enkolpia often bore figures of Christ, the Virgin, saints, or holy attendants, rendered in simplified but expressive relief. They were used by clergy and lay believers alike, and examples survive from across the Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding regions. Objects such as this reflect the deeply personal nature of Byzantine piety, in which sacred protection was carried physically on the body.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
8th-10th century AD
Name of object
Reliquary Cross Enkolpion
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
