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. This cross also has a tsata or collar in the centre, another element unique to Russian crosses.
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. This cross was described as 17th or 18th century when it was acquired in 1866, but is more likely to be 19th century in date.
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. This cross was described as 17th or 18th century when it was acquired in 1866, but is more likely to be 19th century in date.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast silver |
| Brief description | Cast silver cross, ornamented on both sides with Cyrillic inscriptions in panels, Russia, 1800-1860. |
| Physical description | Cast openwork silver cross with rounded ends and a circle round the centre, with large granules attached between the arms. There is a tsata collar in the centre of the front, and a skull at the foot of the cross. There are Cyrillic inscriptions all over the front and back. |
| Dimensions |
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| 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. This cross also has a tsata or collar in the centre, another element unique to Russian crosses. 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. This cross was described as 17th or 18th century when it was acquired in 1866, but is more likely to be 19th century in date. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 509-1869 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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