{"product_id":"medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-witness-11th-13th-c-ce","title":"Medieval Bronze Encolpion-Type Cross - 'Witness' (11th–13th c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Medieval bronze cross pendant named 'Witness', with pointed flared ends and simple cross motifs, a small devotional design centred on the emblem of Christian faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eSimple crosses occupy the body, their lines set within arms that flare towards pointed ends. Coloured deposits remain across parts of the surface, adding contrast to the recessed design. The outer silhouette and the cross motifs reinforce one another, with the shaped terminals giving the pendant a distinct ornamental frame. The emblem itself carries the devotional meaning: Christian faith, salvation and a wish for spiritual protection. Its repeated decoration gives both faces the same focus, using line and outline rather than a sacred portrait to express that familiar symbol.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 37 mm; Width: 18 mm; Thickness: 3 mm\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3.6 g\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Pointed flared ends and simple cross motifs preserved; suspension eye damaged; coloured deposits remain on the surface.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection, the Netherlands; acquired by Aurora Antiqua in September 2026.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: P-46-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 form a devotional family in which the outer shape and surface emblem reinforce one another. Rykunova and Rykunov (2020), p. 166, Fig. 3:1,3–6, supply a form and motif comparison, with differences in terminal points and suspension preservation. Its pointed ends draw the outer profile away from the simple central crosses. Within medieval Christian devotion, a small cross could serve as a personal reminder of faith and a petition for protection. Its recessed ornament gives that symbol a distinct surface treatment without assigning a particular sacred figure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe simple cross motifs keep the focus on faith, with shaped terminals adding an ornamental frame to the devotional 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":63775831884106,"sku":"P-46-B","price":450.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/p-46-b-bronze-cross-pendant-object-view-3-3.jpg?v=1790931604","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/medieval-bronze-encolpion-cross-witness-11th-13th-c-ce","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}