{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-prayer-10th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion-Type Cross - 'Prayer' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion type cross named 'Prayer', with linear figures on both faces, contrasting arm positions and small markings arranged within its narrow body.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eLinear figures occupy the narrow cross-shaped fields, with different arm positions giving each face a separate character. A bent-arm figure has a circular feature at the chest, while small upper stems and marks contribute to the surrounding design. The slender arms keep the figures close to the outline of the cross, giving the decoration a restrained, linear rhythm. Raised or bent hands belong to the Christian language of prayer and intercession. Paired with the cross itself, the two figures give that devotional gesture a compact setting for personal contemplation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 51 mm; Width: 23 mm; Thickness: 5 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 12.4 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Linear figures and small markings softened; articulated suspension, seam and terminal fittings present.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-41-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. Small figural encolpion types adapt sacred scenes to the narrow arms of a cross-shaped case. Sedova (1981), p. 57, Fig. 18:1–2, offers a family comparison for linear figures and an articulated head. Those published examples have engraved, silver-inlaid decoration, giving them their own technical character. On this cross, the narrow arms keep the figures close to its outline. In devotional use, the cross and its figures could carry a prayer without an extended inscription, joining a depiction of salvation with the gesture of intercession.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe two linear figures give the cross a devotional rhythm, bringing the Christian emblem together with the gesture of prayer.\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":63775822119242,"sku":"P-41-B","price":495.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-41-b-bronze-encolpion-type-cross-object-view-6-6.jpg?v=1790931499","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-prayer-10th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}