{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-sanctuary-10th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion Cross - 'Sanctuary' (10th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze encolpion cross named 'Sanctuary', with paired hinged shells, worn haloed figures and terminal roundels. The opened case reveals plain recessed interiors.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eHaloed, long-robed figures fill the exterior faces, with smaller portrait-like roundels at the arm terminals. Raised or bent arms distinguish the clearer figure, while the opposing face carries its own worn figural decoration. The borders and roundels organize the imagery around the principal figures and extend it across the arms of the cross. In Christian devotion, raised hands express prayer and intercession, and the cross signifies salvation and spiritual protection. The plain recessed inner surfaces contrast with the decorated exteriors, separating the container from its devotional imagery.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 57 mm; Width: 26 mm; Thickness: 4 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 17.9 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Paired shells with plain recessed interiors; exterior relief softened; borders, roundels and suspension fittings preserved.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-37-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. The hinged two-shell structure identifies this object as an encolpion, a cross-shaped reliquary case. Korzukhina and Peskova (2003), p. 46, Plate 2, I.1\/12, illustrate a family parallel for paired shells and exterior sacred figures. Its more elaborate attendants and inscriptions belong to the published example. Encolpia were designed to keep a sacred token within a devotional object carried close to the body. Here the plain interiors and decorated outer faces show the distinction between the container and the depictions that made it a focus for prayer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe opened case reveals a simple interior behind the sacred figures that give the cross its devotional 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":63775818613066,"sku":"P-37-B","price":595.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-37-b-bronze-encolpion-cross-object-view-6-6.jpg?v=1790931402","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-sanctuary-10th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}