{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-faith-10th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion Cross - 'Faith' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion cross named 'Faith', with pointed flaring corners and recessed cross designs, expressing Christian devotion through a strongly shaped geometric outline.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe arms broaden towards pointed corners, framing simple recessed crosses on the two sides. Dark recesses at the terminals create a further contrast with the surrounding bronze. The ornament centres on the Christian cross itself rather than a figural scene, and the shaped ends give the familiar emblem a distinct outline. Its repeated cross design brings the symbol into both the body and its surface decoration. In Christian devotion, that symbol refers to salvation and faith, while a small suspended cross could also express a personal wish for protection through an immediately recognizable sacred form.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 37 mm; Width: 27 mm; Thickness: 2.5 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 4.2 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Pointed flaring terminals and suspension preserved; recessed crosses and dark terminal recesses present; surface detail softened.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-44-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. Geometric devotional crosses use the emblem itself as the principal depiction, with shaped ends and recessed fields adding ornament. Rykunova and Rykunov (2020), p. 166, Fig. 3:1,3–6, provide a family parallel for simple recessed crosses and related body forms. The exact terminal treatment and dark recesses distinguish this pendant from that published group. In medieval Christian practice, a suspended cross made faith a personal object of devotion. Its design needed neither a named saint nor an extended text to communicate the central symbol of salvation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts shaped corners frame a direct expression of faith, with the cross repeated as outline and decoration.\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":63775828574538,"sku":"P-44-B","price":450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-44-b-bronze-cross-pendant-object-view-1-1.jpg?v=1790931554","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-faith-10th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}