Byzantine Reliquary Cross Pendant with Saints
10th-12th century AD. A large bronze enkolpion reliquary cross pendant with rounded finials comprising two hinged plates and an articulated suspension loop with vertical rib; obverse with bust of Christ holding a book and four flanking nimbate busts; reverse with Mary Theotokos and four nimbate busts. Cf. Wamser, L. Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 259. 135 grams, 11.5cm (4 1/2"). Property of a gentleman; acquired in the late 1960s-early 1970s.
Fine condition.
Estimate: 400 - 600