{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-radiance-11th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion-Type Cross - 'Radiance' (11th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze cross pendant named 'Radiance', with pointed flaring ends and recessed cross designs on both sides, giving the Christian emblem a compact geometric form.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eSimple crosses occupy the recessed central fields, while pointed flaring ends extend the outline beyond the arms. The design relies on repeated lines and shaped terminals rather than a sacred portrait. Its recessed channels draw the cross into the surface as well as defining the pendant’s overall silhouette. Any surviving channel material adds another layer to that decoration. Within Christian devotion, the cross represents faith, salvation and a wish for protection. The repeated emblem on the two sides gives the pendant a devotional focus whichever face is turned outward, with the pointed ends providing an ornamental frame.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 40 mm; Width: 17 mm; Thickness: 3 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 5.3 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Recessed cross designs and pointed terminals preserved; surface deposits and small channel remnants remain; suspension fittings present.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-43-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. Simple cross pendants could express Christian devotion through geometry alone, without a named figure or a long inscription. Rykunova and Rykunov (2020), p. 166, Fig. 3:1,3–6, offer a family comparison for recessed crosses within articulated bodies. The present piece has more pronounced terminal points and its own surviving surface material. This family places the emblem within the body’s surface while repeating it in the outer shape. The resulting design gives a small devotional object a clear symbol of faith and a request for spiritual protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe repeated cross design brings Christian faith into both the surface and the outline of the pendant.\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":63775827362122,"sku":"P-43-B","price":450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-43-b-bronze-cross-pendant-object-view-2-2.jpg?v=1790931536","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-radiance-11th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}