Antique 15th-16th century Russian Grand Duchy of Moscow Orthodox Byzantine Bronze Pectoral Cross

Authentic antique, Russian (The Grand Duchy of Moscow), a rare version of the Orthodox Byzantine double-sided cast bronze pectoral cross pendant, circa 15th- 16th century AD. The obverse, cast in relief, has the image of Christ crucified on the cross; under the arms are letters of the Greek alphabet, OV and MP, an abbreviation of the Greek Mater Theos (Mother of God). 

Each arm of the cross is adorned with a round finial containing busts of saints.

The reverse depicts standing with outspread arms, the robed figure of Elijah the prophet with a scroll in his hand. 

REFERENCES: Similar crosses from the Andrei Rublev Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Arts collection in Moscow, Russia, are published in the catalog "Crosses, Icons, Hinged Icons by Gnutova" by E. Ya. Zotova on Page 27 (figure 17) and page 29 (figure 26) with a note: "An image of Elijah the prophet appeared on crosses in the late 14th century. A fold like that has been found on the field of the Kulikovo battle (September 8, 1380)."

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.

Please see the link below to view a related cross in the Russian museums.

http://new.russikona.ru/collection/section-9/157

http://www.olevs.ru/novgorodskoe_litje/static/napersnye_kresty/

The 15th- 16th century Russian double-sided bronze pectoral crosses with the image of the prophet Elijah are extremely rare compared to other versions of related crosses.

DIMENSIONS: 6.5 cm x 5.1 cm ((2 .5 inches x 2 inches)

CONDITION: In its original condition, showing the age and use. The surface is covered by a dark patina and earth encrustation, slightly bent, with a broken suspension loop. 

All of this is an aspect of an antique cross, which is approximately 500 years old. Please see the photos, as they are a part of the description.