{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-salvation-11th-15th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion Cross - 'Salvation' (11th–15th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion cross named 'Salvation', with lobed ends and opposing figural decoration that follows the arms of its narrow cross-shaped body.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eRounded lobes and paired projections give the cross its distinctive outline. Worn figures occupy both faces, with their forms extending along the length and width of the arms. A standing, long-robed figure gives one side a vertical emphasis, while the opposing decoration creates a separate devotional face. The arrangement brings sacred imagery into the cross itself rather than enclosing it within a separate icon panel. In Christian devotion, the cross expresses salvation, while figural decoration gives the emblem a more personal focus for prayer, intercession and spiritual protection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 65 mm; Width: 24 mm; Thickness: 5 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 12.9 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Closed body; softened figural decoration; articulated suspension and terminal fittings present; dark surface with local green deposits.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-36-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. Encolpia are cross-shaped reliquary cases, a form that combines a devotional depiction with a container design. The external joints and paired structure place this piece within that family. Kokorina (2013), Pectoral Crosses, p. 27, catalogue 14, offers an outline comparison with rounded lobes and paired projections. That published specimen lacks its suspension head and has a more clearly described figural programme. In the broader tradition, paired sacred depictions made the cross a focus for prayer, while the case form gave sacred material a place close to the body.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts opposing figures give the cross a double devotional focus, bringing sacred imagery into the familiar Christian emblem.\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":63775818285386,"sku":"P-36-B","price":450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-36-b-bronze-encolpion-type-cross-object-view-4-4.jpg?v=1790931379","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-salvation-11th-15th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}