9th C. Byzantine Silver Pendant w/ Madonna & Christ

Byzantine Empire, ca. 9th to early 13th century CE. An endearing silver pendant displaying the relief image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, strung on a modern strand with a lobster claw clasp to be wearable. Pressing their cheeks together, the Madonna and child are both capped by haloes and wear richly detailed robes. The holy figures are flanked by a pair of twisted columns and a decorative, dotted arch. A lovely coppered background surrounds them, giving the impression of a holy aura. The verso of the lunette-shaped pendant features an incised cross. A lovely top loop allows the piece to be suspended and worn as a necklace. Note the hinges on the left side of the piece, indicating that it likely served as the door to a reliquary. Size (pendant): 1.3" W x 2.125" H (3.3 cm x 5.4 cm); Size (of strand): 22" L (55.9 cm); Silver quality: 86%; Weight: 15.1 grams

Relics - physical remains of saints or objects associated with Christ, such as pieces of the True Cross, the shroud His body was wrapped in, or, mythically, the Holy Grail – held tremendous power in medieval Christianity. Reliquaries were usually kept in cathedrals or churches, but some wealthy individuals were able to possess them. The less wealthy could purchase replicas of reliquaries, small reliquaries containing less precious items like soil from a holy site, or metal items produced as a form of souvenir from shrines. Later, many of these objects were destroyed in times of religious conflict or strife; coveted reliquaries traditionally have been passed down through generations of families.

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#157938
Condition Report: Wearable. Ancient pendant on modern strand. Pendant is part of a larger piece. Some light softening of detail. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.