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Antique Eastern European Silver Cross Pendant

$12,000List Price

About the Item

RELIQUARY CROSS PENDANT Balkans (probably Bulgaria), 18th-19th century Gilded silver, glass pastes Weight 40.7 grams; dimensions 74 × 15 × 10 mm Double-sided pendant made of gilded silver filigree in the shape of a Greek cross, with pendant loop. The front and side panels composed of intricate filigree scrolls, globules, and a central rosette. Interspersed are crimped collet settings with corded wire base and red, blue, and green glass-paste gemstones. At the base is a silver screw (a later replacement), which opens the hinged backplate when removed. The backplate composed of silver with soldered filigree wire and globule ornaments. The cross would have contained a relic (now missing). On both sides of the cross there are identical hallmarks in hexagonal form with greyhound and “S” (?) and “2” from the Austro-Hungarian Empire used 1872-1922 for quality control; see Rohrwasser 1987, pp. 18-19. Separated by several centuries from the other examples, this cross attests to the conservative nature of the cross pendant. Its techniques situate its origins in an Austro-Hungarian workshop of perhaps the late eighteenth century, and its materials are sumptuous, but its form is remarkably similar to the oldest cross in this collection. Both of these crosses are “Greek,” but one must acknowledge the conservatism of the Orthodox faith as represented by this form. Unlike the early bronze pilgrimage cross, this example, although also a reliquary, has no figurative or explicit iconography. It makes its case for the glory of the Cross (or other relic that it may have contained) through intricate workmanship and applied gems. The face of the cross comprises an elaborate network of gilded silver filigree scrolls and globules that center on an openwork rosette of radiating spikes with a paste gem at its midpoint. It is lavishly and further adorned with globules and multicolor paste gems set in star-form mounts. Beads of some sort, now missing, would have dangled from the three loops. The surface might be said to virtually twinkle with ornament. Given that the cross is openwork, one might have been able to catch a glimpse of the contents through the apertures. If so, such a vision would have been partial and occluded—a fitting way to view relics. The backplate of this reliquary could also swing open to reveal the contents fully, although it is doubtful that scrutiny of the relics was the intention of the design. Although the back is ornamented, the cross is not truly double-sided; it is very clear which side faces the front. The silver screw for closing the cross is a replacement. A drawing of a woman in traditional dress gives us an idea of the way the cross was worn (and also shows a cross that retains its pearls). The cross would have been one piece of an ensemble with other pieces made in similar fashion, including a pendant, belt buckles, and bracelets. The suspension lace for the pendant and cross does not hang around the neck but instead is strung across the shoulder in a manner reminiscent of a soldier’s bandolier. At least one reason these powerful objects were made, collected, and worn is for protection–situating them somewhere between the amulet and sacred material. Comparisons and Literature: A similar unpublished cross pendant in a private collection is attributed to the Balkans, probably Bulgaria, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (see hallmark). For related cross pendants from the Balkan area, see the Perusini Collection (Gri/Cantarutti 1988, pp. 101-2).

Metal:
Silver,Gilt Metal
Weight:
40.7 g
Dimensions:
Width: 0.6 in (15 mm)Depth: 0.4 in (10 mm)Length: 2.92 in (74 mm)
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
18th- 19th century
Condition:
Replacements made: -Silver screw at base, unknown replacement date or location. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Chicago, IL
Reference Number:
Seller: J-350091stDibs: LU2334213262632

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