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Antique smaller- to medium-sized but sturdy and well detailed(approx. 1 3/8" tall with solid bale; weight approx. 2.6g) Orthodox Crosspendant featuring an 18th century Russian "OldBelievers" ornate design with image of the three-bar Savior's Crosswith the Instruments of the Passion over the skull (Adam'shead), and Church Slavonic text of the Troparion (Orthodox hymn)to the Holy Cross on the reverse: "КРЕСТУ ТВОЕМУ..."("To Thy Holy Cross..."). The Cross appears to have been handmade from a historical bronze or similar copper-based alloy of unknowncomposition. Origin likely circa 18th century Russia (according toavailable catalogs describing similar findings; please see the last twopictures for a reference). The item shows significant visible signs of wearand aging consistent with its centuries-old age, such as deformations of itsoriginal shape, dents, chipped off or corroded particles of metal, and original partially cleaned patina. Thesuperficial layer of its original thick patina with some spots of powderyoxidation and local corrosion has been removed using gentle manual cleaning andpolishing. There is no wax or any other protective coating on top of metal. Thesize and weight of the Cross are shown on the photographs for this listing.
Both sides of the Cross pendant are decorated with floral or vineornaments symbolizing the life-giving nature of the Christian Cross, and alsoreferring to the preaching of Christ: "I am the vine; you are thebranches" (John 15:5). Another possible scriptural reference for thisparticular type of the "Old Believers" cross is Psalm 128 of David:"Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine..."
The obverse bears an image of the three-bar Suppedaneum cross. Thethree-bar cross is venerated as the true Savior's Cross in the Eastern Orthodoxand some Eastern Catholic churches. Such a cross has three horizontalcrossbeams: the top one represents the "INRI" nameplate, and thebottom one, a footrest. The footrest crossbeam is depicted pointing up, towardHeaven, on Christ's right hand side where the Penitent thief, St. Dismas wascrucified.
The top end of the vertical crossbar of the pendant bears anabbreviated inscription in Church Slavonic meaning "KING OF GLORY".The Kingship of Jesus is also symbolized by the shape of the necklace baleresembling the shape of a Byzantine-style crown. The side ends of thecentral horizontal crossbar show inscriptions in Church Slavonic meaning"JESUS CHRIST (IC XC) SON OF GOD".
Parallel to the verticalcrossbar, there are images of the two Instruments of the Passion which aresubjects to adoration along with the Cross, the Holy Lance (spear) of a Romansoldier, and the Holy Sponge attached to the end of a cane.
A symbolic image of theskull, or Adam's head, buried below the Savior's Cross refers toGolgotha (Calvary), the elevated site where Jesus was crucified, which theBible says means "the place of the skull" in Hebrew. An ancienttradition of the Church held that it was also the burial place of Adam, thus symbolizingthe ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death.
The reverse showsan inscription representing Church Slavonic words of the Troparion(Orthodox hymn) to the Holy Cross meaning: "BEFORE THY CROSS WE BOWDOWN IN WORSHIP, O LORD, AND THY HOLY RESURRECTION WE GLORIFY".
Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The measuring meter and electronic scale are not for sale, and might be photographed with the item in order to provide a size and weight reference.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old and could be fragile. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Will ship to the USA only.
