
- Christ Blessing
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Christ Blessing
- Object:
Pendant
- Place of origin:
Istanbul (made)
- Date:
886-912 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown
- Materials and Techniques:
Jasper
- Museum number:
A.21-1932
- Gallery location:
Medieval & Renaissance, Room 8, The William and Eileen Ruddock Gallery, case 8
Byzantine cameos were made in good numbers between the 10th and 12th centuries in a variety of semi-precious stones. Many showed standard images of Christ or the Virgin, familiar from coins and other media, or depicted particularly popular saints. They were often set into pendants or other items of jewellery, and being easily portable several came to be inserted into western book covers and reliquaries.