Cross
1800-1860 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Before the revolution of 1917, almost all Orthodox Russians wore pendant crosses. These crosses were originally based on Byzantine patterns. Most are made of cast silver, and they frequently have complex designs with Cyrillic inscriptions and iconographic details which are unique to the Russian Orthodox Church. Like the filigree chains on which they were worn, they are very difficult to date accurately. Their design has remained unchanged for centuries and many crosses are still being made today from old originals.
This cross, called a Greek cross because it has arms of equal length, has a 'tsata' or collar in the centre, and abbreviated Cyrillic titles at the ends of the arms. The back is plain.
This cross, called a Greek cross because it has arms of equal length, has a 'tsata' or collar in the centre, and abbreviated Cyrillic titles at the ends of the arms. The back is plain.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast silver |
| Brief description | Cast silver cross with Orthodox symbols, Russia, 1800-1860. |
| Physical description | Cast silver cross with trefoil ends and pierced decoration in the interstices. Decorated on the front with orthodox symbols and Cyrillic inscriptions. Plain back. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Cyrillic inscriptions |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Before the revolution of 1917, almost all Orthodox Russians wore pendant crosses. These crosses were originally based on Byzantine patterns. Most are made of cast silver, and they frequently have complex designs with Cyrillic inscriptions and iconographic details which are unique to the Russian Orthodox Church. Like the filigree chains on which they were worn, they are very difficult to date accurately. Their design has remained unchanged for centuries and many crosses are still being made today from old originals. This cross, called a Greek cross because it has arms of equal length, has a 'tsata' or collar in the centre, and abbreviated Cyrillic titles at the ends of the arms. The back is plain. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 510-1869 |
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| Record created | March 7, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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