Byzantine Bronze Cross pendant, Encolpion Cross with the Image of Christ - 40 mm (No reserve price)
04
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18
hours
32
minutes
35
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Current bid
€ 23
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €23 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €20 | |
| €12 | |
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This Byzantine bronze encolpion cross, dated to the 11th–13th century AD, measures 40 × 23 mm and features a relief image of Christ and riveted construction.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An impressive bronze encolpion cross in the Byzantine artistic tradition, decorated with a relief representation of Christ and featuring an unusual construction with metal riveted connections.
This remarkable example is distinguished by its carefully rendered facial features, decorative elements surrounding the head, expressive ornamentation on the horizontal arms, and substantial construction.
Measuring 40 × 23 mm and weighing 8 grams, the cross possesses a distinctive appearance associated with medieval Christian religious jewellery.
The Image of Christ — A Symbol of Faith and Salvation
The central composition features a frontal representation of a human face, which, within the proposed Christian attribution, may be interpreted as an image of Jesus Christ.
The face is rendered in a characteristic stylized manner. The eyes, nose, and mouth are clearly distinguishable, while decorative elements surrounding the head resemble a halo or crown.
The upper section of the cross displays symbols resembling letters or a monogram.
In Byzantine art, representations of Christ were frequently accompanied by abbreviated inscriptions, religious symbols, and ornamental details.
Such images expressed the ideas of divine presence, spiritual protection, and the hope of salvation.
The precise reading of the upper symbols and the definitive identification of the figure require further examination.
The Encolpion — A Sacred Object Worn Close to the Heart
Encolpia occupied an important place in the religious culture of the Byzantine Empire.
The term encolpion derives from Greek and refers to an object worn upon the chest.
Certain cross-shaped encolpia consisted of two connected metal halves forming a small internal compartment for the preservation of sacred relics.
These objects were widespread throughout the Byzantine world and neighbouring Christian regions.
They were worn as personal expressions of faith and, in some cases, used to contain sacred objects.
The present example features a substantial construction and a preserved upper suspension loop.
According to the owner's information, its components are secured with metal rivets, making the construction particularly interesting from a technical and historical perspective.
Riveted Construction — An Unusual Structural Feature
One of the most interesting characteristics of this cross is the use of metal rivets to secure its components.
Such connections could be employed to fasten separate parts of metal objects or during repairs.
Unlike ordinary solid-cast pendants, objects with more elaborate constructions offer valuable insights into historical metalworking techniques.
The reported presence of rivets gives this example additional technical interest.
The original purpose of these connections and the period in which they were installed cannot be determined without examining the reverse and side edges.
Byzantium and the Age of the Crusades
During the 11th–13th centuries, Byzantine artistic traditions exerted considerable influence on Christian art throughout Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pectoral crosses depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints were widely used among different groups within Christian society.
During the Crusader period, such religious objects accompanied pilgrims, travellers, merchants, and members of the clergy.
A cross could serve as a personal testimony of faith and a reminder of spiritual values.
The artistic appearance of the present example allows it to be considered within the broader context of medieval Christian traditions influenced by Byzantine culture.
A direct connection with an individual Crusader or a particular military expedition cannot be established.
Artistic Features and Construction
The cross has an elongated shape with rectangular terminals on the horizontal arms.
A relief representation of a face occupies the central section, surrounded by decorative elements.
The horizontal arms display stylized ornamentation resembling geometric and vegetal motifs.
The upper section contains symbols resembling letters, together with a decorative border.
The lower vertical arm is decorated with elongated relief lines that create the impression of folds in a garment.
The rounded upper suspension loop was designed to allow the cross to be worn on a cord or chain.
The overall composition is characterized by symmetry, expressive relief, and medieval-style artistic stylization.
Condition
The cross retains its complete overall shape, upper suspension loop, and principal relief details.
The bronze surface displays an uneven green and greyish-green patina.
Traces of wear, minor surface irregularities, localized corrosion, and age-related abrasions are present.
The facial representation, decorative elements, and ornamentation on the horizontal arms remain clearly distinguishable.
Specifications
Culture: Presumably Byzantine / Byzantine Christian Tradition
Proposed Dating: 11th–13th century AD
Historical Period: Middle Ages / Crusader Period
Type: Bronze encolpion cross
Iconography: Presumably Jesus Christ
Material: Bronze
Construction: According to the owner, the components are secured with metal rivets
Dimensions: 40 × 23 mm
Weight: 8 g
Special Features: Relief representation of a face, decorative inscriptions or symbols, ornamented horizontal arms, and riveted connections
Condition: Aged patinated surface with traces of wear; well-preserved and clearly visible relief decoration
Provenance:
Acquired on the European antiquities market.
Shipping:
European Union only.
The Legend of the Cross That Preserved Faith
The following story is a fictional legend inspired by medieval Christian religious traditions.
Many centuries ago, a craftsman created a bronze cross for a pilgrim preparing to undertake a distant journey.
On its front, he fashioned the face of the Saviour and secured the separate parts of the cross with small metal rivets.
The pilgrim asked the craftsman:
"Why have you made this cross so strong?"
The craftsman replied:
"Because a man must travel many roads throughout his life. The metal must withstand hardship, but even more important is the strength of his faith."
The traveller took the cross and placed it around his neck.
Years passed. He crossed mountains and seas, visited distant cities, and endured difficult times.
Yet whenever he touched the cross, he remembered the craftsman's words.
"A person's strength does not lie in never falling, but in finding the courage to rise again after every trial."
According to this imagined legend, the bronze cross became a symbol of spiritual resilience, loyalty, and hope for its owner.
Metal is held together by rivets, while human life is held together by faith, memory, and hope.
A Medieval Cross with Distinctive Historical Character
This bronze cross attracts attention through its unusual construction, relief facial representation, decorative elements, and expressive aged surface.
Its artistic appearance recalls Byzantine religious traditions, in which even relatively small personal ornaments could carry profound spiritual meaning.
The combination of an expressive central image, ornamental crossarms, preserved suspension loop, and reported riveted construction gives the piece a distinctive character.
A substantial bronze encolpion cross measuring 40 × 23 mm and weighing 8 grams, featuring a relief representation of Christ and riveted connections — an intriguing collector's piece for a collection of Byzantine antiquities, medieval crosses, and Christian religious jewellery.
An impressive bronze encolpion cross in the Byzantine artistic tradition, decorated with a relief representation of Christ and featuring an unusual construction with metal riveted connections.
This remarkable example is distinguished by its carefully rendered facial features, decorative elements surrounding the head, expressive ornamentation on the horizontal arms, and substantial construction.
Measuring 40 × 23 mm and weighing 8 grams, the cross possesses a distinctive appearance associated with medieval Christian religious jewellery.
The Image of Christ — A Symbol of Faith and Salvation
The central composition features a frontal representation of a human face, which, within the proposed Christian attribution, may be interpreted as an image of Jesus Christ.
The face is rendered in a characteristic stylized manner. The eyes, nose, and mouth are clearly distinguishable, while decorative elements surrounding the head resemble a halo or crown.
The upper section of the cross displays symbols resembling letters or a monogram.
In Byzantine art, representations of Christ were frequently accompanied by abbreviated inscriptions, religious symbols, and ornamental details.
Such images expressed the ideas of divine presence, spiritual protection, and the hope of salvation.
The precise reading of the upper symbols and the definitive identification of the figure require further examination.
The Encolpion — A Sacred Object Worn Close to the Heart
Encolpia occupied an important place in the religious culture of the Byzantine Empire.
The term encolpion derives from Greek and refers to an object worn upon the chest.
Certain cross-shaped encolpia consisted of two connected metal halves forming a small internal compartment for the preservation of sacred relics.
These objects were widespread throughout the Byzantine world and neighbouring Christian regions.
They were worn as personal expressions of faith and, in some cases, used to contain sacred objects.
The present example features a substantial construction and a preserved upper suspension loop.
According to the owner's information, its components are secured with metal rivets, making the construction particularly interesting from a technical and historical perspective.
Riveted Construction — An Unusual Structural Feature
One of the most interesting characteristics of this cross is the use of metal rivets to secure its components.
Such connections could be employed to fasten separate parts of metal objects or during repairs.
Unlike ordinary solid-cast pendants, objects with more elaborate constructions offer valuable insights into historical metalworking techniques.
The reported presence of rivets gives this example additional technical interest.
The original purpose of these connections and the period in which they were installed cannot be determined without examining the reverse and side edges.
Byzantium and the Age of the Crusades
During the 11th–13th centuries, Byzantine artistic traditions exerted considerable influence on Christian art throughout Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Pectoral crosses depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints were widely used among different groups within Christian society.
During the Crusader period, such religious objects accompanied pilgrims, travellers, merchants, and members of the clergy.
A cross could serve as a personal testimony of faith and a reminder of spiritual values.
The artistic appearance of the present example allows it to be considered within the broader context of medieval Christian traditions influenced by Byzantine culture.
A direct connection with an individual Crusader or a particular military expedition cannot be established.
Artistic Features and Construction
The cross has an elongated shape with rectangular terminals on the horizontal arms.
A relief representation of a face occupies the central section, surrounded by decorative elements.
The horizontal arms display stylized ornamentation resembling geometric and vegetal motifs.
The upper section contains symbols resembling letters, together with a decorative border.
The lower vertical arm is decorated with elongated relief lines that create the impression of folds in a garment.
The rounded upper suspension loop was designed to allow the cross to be worn on a cord or chain.
The overall composition is characterized by symmetry, expressive relief, and medieval-style artistic stylization.
Condition
The cross retains its complete overall shape, upper suspension loop, and principal relief details.
The bronze surface displays an uneven green and greyish-green patina.
Traces of wear, minor surface irregularities, localized corrosion, and age-related abrasions are present.
The facial representation, decorative elements, and ornamentation on the horizontal arms remain clearly distinguishable.
Specifications
Culture: Presumably Byzantine / Byzantine Christian Tradition
Proposed Dating: 11th–13th century AD
Historical Period: Middle Ages / Crusader Period
Type: Bronze encolpion cross
Iconography: Presumably Jesus Christ
Material: Bronze
Construction: According to the owner, the components are secured with metal rivets
Dimensions: 40 × 23 mm
Weight: 8 g
Special Features: Relief representation of a face, decorative inscriptions or symbols, ornamented horizontal arms, and riveted connections
Condition: Aged patinated surface with traces of wear; well-preserved and clearly visible relief decoration
Provenance:
Acquired on the European antiquities market.
Shipping:
European Union only.
The Legend of the Cross That Preserved Faith
The following story is a fictional legend inspired by medieval Christian religious traditions.
Many centuries ago, a craftsman created a bronze cross for a pilgrim preparing to undertake a distant journey.
On its front, he fashioned the face of the Saviour and secured the separate parts of the cross with small metal rivets.
The pilgrim asked the craftsman:
"Why have you made this cross so strong?"
The craftsman replied:
"Because a man must travel many roads throughout his life. The metal must withstand hardship, but even more important is the strength of his faith."
The traveller took the cross and placed it around his neck.
Years passed. He crossed mountains and seas, visited distant cities, and endured difficult times.
Yet whenever he touched the cross, he remembered the craftsman's words.
"A person's strength does not lie in never falling, but in finding the courage to rise again after every trial."
According to this imagined legend, the bronze cross became a symbol of spiritual resilience, loyalty, and hope for its owner.
Metal is held together by rivets, while human life is held together by faith, memory, and hope.
A Medieval Cross with Distinctive Historical Character
This bronze cross attracts attention through its unusual construction, relief facial representation, decorative elements, and expressive aged surface.
Its artistic appearance recalls Byzantine religious traditions, in which even relatively small personal ornaments could carry profound spiritual meaning.
The combination of an expressive central image, ornamental crossarms, preserved suspension loop, and reported riveted construction gives the piece a distinctive character.
A substantial bronze encolpion cross measuring 40 × 23 mm and weighing 8 grams, featuring a relief representation of Christ and riveted connections — an intriguing collector's piece for a collection of Byzantine antiquities, medieval crosses, and Christian religious jewellery.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
11th–13th Century AD
Name of object
Encolpion Cross with the Image of Christ, Cross pendant
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2022
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
40 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1998
Width
23 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
