★ Extremely Fine Enkolpion ★

8th - 10th century AD. A bronze enkolpion with hinge to the bottom and an articulate suspension loop with two vertical ribs to the top for wearing. The obverse side depicting Jesus Christ on the cross, dressed with a long sticharion and two small figures of Evangelists at his side; reverse with the Theotokos (Mother of God) in orans posture and the four nimbate busts of Evangelists holding the Gospel, with four Greek letter flanking them (M = Mathew, I - John [Ivan], M = Mark, X - Christos). Extremely fine! Provenance: Property of a UK lady, from her family collection formed in the 1980s, ex. Timeline Auctions 2018
114 mm, 78.8 grams