A BYZANTINE BRONZE RELIQUARY CROSS WITH CHRIST AND MARY Circa 9th-11th century AD. Large reliquary cross (enkolpion) depicting the crucifixion on the front. Above the head of Christ is an empty tabula ansata, on top sun and moon (?); below his feet two portraits in bust form. The reverse shows Virgin Mary with child (Maria Kyriotissa), flanked by four busts (probably the Evangelists). H 94 mm, W 51 mm

Ex private collection, acquired on the German art market.