Lot 38A
Eastern Mediterranean, Byzantine Empire, ca. 6th to 8th century CE. A luminous emblem of early Christian devotion, this Byzantine cross pendant is crafted from high-quality gold of approximately 93.3% purity (about 22.4 karats), its radiant surface shaped into hollow tubular arms that intersect with organic irregularity. At the center glows a polished garnet cabochon, its deep red hue echoing themes of sacrifice, divine love, and celestial light. Garnets were prized in the Byzantine world for their protective and energizing qualities, making their placement in crosses both devotional and apotropaic. The upper vertical arm terminates in a ribbed suspension loop, allowing the pendant to hang over the heart of its wearer, close to the seat of prayer. The gently crimped and asymmetrical arms reveal the hand of the goldsmith, prioritizing spiritual symbolism over rigid geometry. Size: 1.4" L x 1" W (3.6 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 93.3% (about 22.4 karats); weight: 1 gram
The form echoes both cruciform reliquaries and wearable crosses worn across the Eastern Christian world by clerics, pilgrims, and laypersons alike. In an age when gold was not only currency but conduit for sanctity, this pendant embodies both sacred meaning and exceptional craftsmanship. It offered not only protection to its bearer, but an intimate expression of belief in the redemptive power of the Cross.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010
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#196148
- Condition: Slight bending to one arm and minor indentations to gold in areas, but otherwise, wearable with a very nice presentation.
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