{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-invocation-11th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion Cross - 'Invocation' (11th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion cross named 'Invocation', with a robed figure on one face and a geometric cross with a circular centre on the other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eA robed figure fills one face, with letter-like marks in the lateral arms and raised or bent arms near the chest. The opposite face carries a geometric cross with a circular crossing and an X-like centre, giving it a distinct visual programme. One side therefore concentrates on a sacred figure, while the other emphasizes the cross itself. The raised-arm gesture draws on the Christian language of prayer and intercession. Together, the figural and geometric faces give personal devotion two complementary forms within the same compact cross-shaped object.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 56 mm; Width: 25 mm; Thickness: 4 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 10.2 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Robed figure and geometric reverse preserved; details softened; layered body, articulated suspension and terminal fittings present; local green deposits.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-42-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. An articulated head and layered body connect this piece with encolpion-type cross cases. Kokorina (2013), Pectoral Crosses, p. 27, catalogue 14, supplies an outline comparison for lobed ends and paired projections. Its standing-Virgin reverse differs from the present geometric cross, making the comparison one of form rather than an identical paired programme. Christian devotional crosses could combine a sacred figure with the emblem of the cross, allowing personal prayer and the promise of salvation to be expressed in different ways on the same object.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe robed figure and geometric reverse give this cross two distinct ways of expressing devotion and spiritual 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":63775827165514,"sku":"P-42-B","price":550.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-42-b-bronze-encolpion-type-cross-object-view-6-6.jpg?v=1790931519","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-invocation-11th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}