{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-orison-10th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion Cross - 'Orison' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion cross named 'Orison', with a haloed long-robed figure, raised or bent arms and portrait-like medallions at the terminals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe clearer face presents a haloed figure in a long garment, with raised or bent arms and portrait-like roundels at the ends of the cross. The opposite decoration is more heavily obscured, giving the two faces different degrees of definition. Smaller medallions surround the principal figure and extend the imagery across the four arms. Raised hands carry the Christian association of prayer and intercession, while the enclosing cross signals faith and salvation. The composition gathers the central figure and terminal portraits into a single, closely framed devotional arrangement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 60 mm; Width: 26 mm; Thickness: 6 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 19.1 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: One figural face and terminal roundels preserved; opposing decoration heavily obscured; layered edges and articulated suspension present.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-39-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 encolpion types combine a cross-shaped case with a central sacred figure and smaller terminal portraits. Korzukhina and Peskova (2003), p. 46, Plate 2, I.1\/9, supply a family parallel for the Orans and four medallions. That reference is one reverse shell, rather than a complete paired programme. The present cross has its own closed body and articulated head. Within Christian devotion, such arrangements concentrate prayer around a central sacred presence, while the surrounding roundels extend the depiction across the entire cross.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe raised-arm figure and terminal portraits turn the cross into a compact arrangement of prayer and sacred presence.\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":63775820710218,"sku":"P-39-B","price":550.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-39-b-bronze-encolpion-type-cross-object-view-5-5.jpg?v=1790931452","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-orison-10th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}