{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-intercession-10th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion Cross - 'Intercession' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion cross named 'Intercession', with two worn figural faces and terminal medallions arranged around the central figures, bringing sacred portraiture into the form of the cross.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eA long-robed figure occupies one face, with bent, raised arms and portrait-like roundels at the ends of the cross. The opposing face carries a second worn figure, giving each side its own devotional focus. The smaller medallions extend the figural decoration across the four arms and frame the principal image. Raised hands belong to the Christian visual language of prayer and intercession, while the cross itself signifies faith and salvation. Here the central figures and surrounding roundels form a compact composition intended for close, personal contemplation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 60 mm; Width: 26 mm; Thickness: 5 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 17.2 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Figural decoration softened; terminal roundels and articulated suspension preserved; surface deposits remain.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-35-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. Figural cross pendants bring the symbol of the cross and sacred portraiture into a single devotional object. Korzukhina and Peskova (2003), p. 46, Plate 2, I.1\/9, provide a family comparison for the Orans and terminal medallions, representing one reverse shell. This pendant has its own opposing decoration and proportions. Such designs could express prayer and a wish for spiritual protection without relying on a long written text. The small figures give the cross a more personal devotional character than an undecorated emblem.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe central figures and surrounding roundels bring prayer, sacred presence and the cross into one personal devotional object.\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":63775801049418,"sku":"P-35-B","price":495.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-35-b-bronze-cross-pendant-object-view-1-1.jpg?v=1790930918","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-intercession-10th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}