Cross
1800-1860 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Before the revolution of 1917, almost all Orthodox Russians wore pendent 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. Some, like this one, are also decorated in enamel, which was used in the north of European Russia in the 17th century, and became popular again in the 19th century with the revival of Russian nationalism.
Like the filigree chains on which they were worn, these crosses are very difficult to date accurately. Their design has remained unchanged for centuries and many crosses are still being made today from old originals.
Like the filigree chains on which they were worn, these crosses are very difficult to date accurately. Their design has remained unchanged for centuries and many crosses are still being made today from old originals.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Silver enamelled in turquoise, yellow, white and green |
| Brief description | Enamelled silver cross with Cyrillic inscriptions, Russia, 1800-1860. |
| Physical description | Silver cross with rounded ends and a ring round the centre. It is enamelled on both sides in different designs of turquoise, yellow, white and green, and has abbreviated Cyrillic inscriptions at the ends of the arms on the front. |
| Dimensions |
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| Summary | Before the revolution of 1917, almost all Orthodox Russians wore pendent 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. Some, like this one, are also decorated in enamel, which was used in the north of European Russia in the 17th century, and became popular again in the 19th century with the revival of Russian nationalism. Like the filigree chains on which they were worn, these crosses are very difficult to date accurately. Their design has remained unchanged for centuries and many crosses are still being made today from old originals. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 105:1 to 2-1866 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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