Bidspirit auction | HEAVY BYZANTINE HIGH KARAT GOLD

HEAVY BYZANTINE HIGH KARAT GOLD ENKOLPION WITH CRUCIFIXION AND INSCRIPTIONS - Ca. AD 1000 - 1200 A gold enkolpion formed of two hinged cross-shaped plates with a bow-shaped suspension loop on a short mount above the upper arm. The front face is engraved with the Crucifixion, Christ shown frontally with outstretched arms in a long patterned tunic, the horizontal arms bearing the standing figures of the Virgin and St John with Greek inscriptions below Christ's arms. The reverse is plain. Size: 88mm x 50mm; Weight: 36.8g. Provenance: Private UK collection; acquired in Switzerland; formerly with W.R. , late 1980s to early 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. For similar see: H. C. Evans, W. D. Wixom, The Glory of Byzantium, Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era, Cat. 205, 225. This piece is accompanied by an authentication statement by Sami Fortune, ancient jewellery specialist.