Half of a Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross (Enkolpion) with the Virgin Mary Orans

9th-11th century AD

€ 175.00 VAT margin scheme

In stock: 1 available Article code: 26-3301

Object Description

Byzantine bronze enkolpion depicting the Virgin Mary in the traditional Orans attitude of prayer. Mary is shown frontally with both arms raised, wearing a long, heavily stylised garment decorated with engraved chevron patterns. A halo surrounds her elongated face, while ring-and-dot motifs decorate the arms of the cross.

Above the figure is the Greek inscription:

ΠΑΝΑΓ(ΙΑ).

This is an abbreviated form of Panagia, meaning “All-Holy”, one of the principal Byzantine titles of the Virgin Mary.

One original suspension lug remains at the top, while two hinge elements survive at the base.

The object is one surviving half of a formerly hollow reliquary cross. It would originally have been joined to a corresponding second half, probably depicting the Crucified Christ. Together, the halves formed a compartment for a small sacred relic or another devotional object.

Specifications

Size: ± 87 x 44,4 mm

Condition

Good condition for its age. The engraved figure, inscription and geometric decoration remain clear and well-defined. The surface has a smooth, glossy patina with lighter earthen and coppery deposits. The corresponding half and original hinge pins are missing.

The term enkolpion derives from the Greek word enkólpion, meaning “worn upon the chest”. Byzantine enkolpia were personal devotional objects suspended from the neck and worn close to the body. They served both as visible expressions of Christian faith and as protective objects.

Reliquary crosses of this type were generally cast in two hollow halves connected by hinges. Their small internal compartment could hold fragments believed to come from the True Cross, pieces of bone, cloth, earth from a holy site or other sacred materials. The presence of a relic transformed the pendant into a portable reliquary.

The Virgin Mary was frequently represented in the Orans pose, with her arms raised in prayer. Within Byzantine Christianity, this image presented Mary as an intercessor who prayed on behalf of humanity. She was commonly paired with the Crucified Christ on the opposite half of an enkolpion, creating a compact visual expression of prayer, salvation and divine protection.

Bronze enkolpia were produced throughout the Byzantine world and circulated widely through trade, pilgrimage and missionary activity. Comparable examples have been discovered from the eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans to Kievan Rus’, demonstrating the extensive cultural and religious influence of the Byzantine Empire.

Period	Ancient, Byzantine
Category	Ancient Jewellery, Artefacts
Material	Bronze
Country / Region	Byzantine Empire

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Half of a Byzantine Bronze Reliquary Cross (Enkolpion) with the Virgin Mary Orans

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