An impressive late Byzantine silver encolpion... Lot n° 18

Heavy reliquary cross with a sturdy, gilt suspension. The central figure of Christ on the cross in half relief on the front. The cross, nimbus and apron are gilt. Above the head an ansate panel with the abbreviations IC XC = Iesus Christus. Two unusual features are the celestial bodies of the sun and moon above the cross. A medallion with frontal heads finely carved in half relief at each end of the cross arms: the left one with the image of the Virgin Mary (including inscription), on the right John (IOANNAS). The centre of the reverse with the richly clad Virgin Mary in a prayer gesture, framed by three medallions: the head of Andrew to the left, the head of Paul at the top and a portrait of Philip to the right (each with an inscription). The gilding has been rubbed off in places due to age. Intact. Total height 14.4 cm. Width 7.3 cm. Weight 139 g. Rarely found in this superb quality finish. Provenance: From an Austrian private collection. Acquired on the Viennese art market. Condition: II