BYZANTINE SILVER ENKOLPION DEPICTING THE CRUCIFIXION. Ca. AD 900 - 1100. A silver reliquary cross engraved on both sides. One side depicts the Virgin Orans, standing frontally with arms raised in prayer, flanked by the Greek inscription MP ΘΥ. Above, a leaf motif is engraved, and the composition is framed by a linear border. The other side features Christ on the cross with outstretched arms, accompanied by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist in mourning. Above his head is a cross and the Greek inscription HC XC. Below, a stylised depiction of Golgotha includes a stepped base with a central skull motif. The cross is hinged at the top and bottom, designed as a reliquary for holding a sacred relic, with an integrated suspension loop for wearing. For similar see: Christie's, Online Auction 12805, Ancient Jewelry, Wearable Art, Lot 4; Christie's, Live Auction 1164, Ancient Jewelry, Lot 656. Size: 110mm x 55mm; Weight: 65g Provenance: Private UK collection; previously acquired on the German art market in the 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.