Ancient Reliquary Cross (Encolpion) in Solid Silver Sacred Art 16th–18th Century

  

Ancient Silver Reliquary Cross (Encolpion) - Sacred Art - 16th to 18th Century

I am offering for sale a superb ancient reliquary cross, known as an Enkolpion (pectoral cross), typical of Eastern Christian tradition. This authentic piece bears witness to great iconographic refinement and considerable antiquity.

This object belongs to the rich tradition of Enkolpia produced between the 16th and 18th centuries. During this post-Byzantine period, these crosses were essential devotional objects, often made by goldsmiths in monastic centers or Christian communities in the Balkans, Greece, or the Slavic world. They served as spiritual protection for their wearers, accompanying them on long pilgrimages or in daily life.

The survival of this piece, with its intact mechanism, testifies to the devotion and care shown by its successive owners over the centuries.

The cross is designed as a reliquary: it has an ingenious mechanism at the lower part (a removable plug) allowing the body of the cross to be opened. The interior still contains ancient relics (ashes or organic remains), preserved through the centuries and never removed.

Side A: Classic representation of the Crucifixion (Christ on the Cross).
Side B: Representation of the Virgin and Child (Theotokos).

The relief is detailed and has a natural ancient patina that highlights the historical and authentic character of the object.

Material: Solid silver (with a beautiful worn patina).

Dimensions: 3.5 cm (height) x 2.8 cm (width).
Thickness: approximately 0.5 cm.
Condition: Good overall condition, considering its age. The closing mechanism is present but should be handled with care. The object has not been cleaned in order to preserve its original patina and historical integrity.

Please feel free to contact me for more photos or additional information.