{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-steadfast-8th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Steadfast' (8th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze cross pendant named 'Steadfast', with swollen arm ends and a longer lower arm, giving the Christian emblem a plain, rounded form.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe cross has a longer lower arm and swollen, baluster-like ends capped by flattened terminal surfaces. Its body carries no prominent figural scene, allowing the outline to serve as the main motif. A faint central mark adds a small point of detail without defining a particular sacred depiction. The rounded ends emphasize the four directions of the cross and soften the transition between the arms and their tips. In Christian devotion, the cross itself signifies faith and salvation, while a suspended emblem could also carry a personal wish for protection without the addition of portraits or lettering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 24 mm; Width: 16 mm; Thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 1.2 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Rounded terminal swellings and flattened caps preserved; surface deposits and a faint central mark remain.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-47-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eOffered in its present condition. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eThe attribution follows comparison with published examples. Plain cross pendants express devotion through their silhouette rather than through a detailed sacred scene. Rykunova and Rykunov (2020), p. 167, Fig. 4:21–24, supply a broad knob-ended family comparison, with different proportions and central treatments. This pendant’s longer lower arm and baluster-like ends give it its own form within that comparison. The Christian cross could function as an immediate sign of faith, with no need for a lengthy inscription. Its simplicity places the familiar emblem ahead of decorative or narrative detail.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts rounded outline keeps the devotional message direct: the cross as an emblem of Christian faith and protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/orthodox-crosses-encolpia\"\u003ecrosses and encolpia\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63775832277322,"sku":"P-47-B","price":200.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-47-b-bronze-cross-pendant-object-view-1-1.jpg?v=1790931623","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-cross-pendant-steadfast-8th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}