{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-gemmata-10th-13th-c-ce-red-cabochon","title":"Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Gemmata' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Medieval bronze cross pendant, 'Gemmata', carries equal arms with concave sides that flare to paired knob terminals, and a red cabochon set in a raised central collet. An integral cast loop at the apex of the upper arm served for suspension against the chest, where the cross marked Christian faith and asked protection on the wearer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe cross is built as four equal arms with concave sides that widen outward, each ending in two rounded knobs, eight in total around the perimeter. A circular collet rises at the crossing and holds a red cabochon of stone or glass, cracked and partly lost in its bezel. Small punched dots mark each arm and the knob terminals. The reverse is plain, with the loop pierced through the top arm. The flaring arms and knob terminals belong to the family of flowering cross forms, where the cross stands as the tree of life and the sign of resurrection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Medieval\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 68 mm; Width: 55 mm; Thickness: 4 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Even grey-green patina across the plate with brighter bronze where handled; the central cabochon cracked with partial loss in its collet; suspension loop intact; punched dots and knob terminals complete around all four arms.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-62-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eOffered in its original condition with no modern repairs. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003ePectoral crosses of flat cast bronze with flaring arms and knob terminals were worn across the Medieval Christian world. A central setting for a coloured stone or glass cabochon added the colour of a jewelled cross to a modest cast piece, borrowing the format of grander gem-set processional and altar crosses. The flowering ends, where each arm opens into paired buds, carried the old reading of the cross as the living tree, sprouting new life from the wood of the Crucifixion. Worn on a cord beneath the clothing, such a cross served both as a devotional sign and a daily request for protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAgainst the body, the cross pendant held its wearer's prayer for protection close to the heart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/orthodox-crosses-encolpia\"\u003eMedieval cross pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958786703690,"sku":"CP-62-B","price":620.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-gemmata-with-flaring-arms-paired-knob-terminals-an-1.jpg?v=1792222967","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-gemmata-10th-13th-c-ce-red-cabochon","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}