Material: Cast bronze (or brass) with champlevé blue enamel. Period: 19th Century (circa 1850–1890)?? Origin: Imperial Russia. The condition is beautiful with natural patina. Enamel is 100% intact
5” tall 2” wide
Hello, this item is a Russian Orthodox cast-brass devotional cross with blue champlevé enamel, probably made during the late 19th or early 20th century. The front presents the Crucifixion of Christ surrounded by abbreviated Church Slavonic inscriptions and several subsidiary sacred scenes, including the Holy Trinity above, attendant figures beside the cross, and the Deposition or Lamentation below. The small suspension loop and plain reverse indicate that it functioned as a hanging devotional or kiot cross rather than a hand-held priestly blessing cross. Comparable Russian Orthodox crosses combine copper-alloy casting, detailed relief, and blue enamel in this manner.
The cross appears complete and retains substantial blue enamel, although the photographs show small losses, surface wear, oxidation, and accumulated residue within the relief. The brass has developed an appropriate aged patina, and the suspension ring remains attached. No workshop marks, documented provenance, or specialist examination confirm an exact date or production centre, so it should be catalogued cautiously as a late Imperial Russian Orthodox devotional cross rather than assigned firmly to a particular Old Believer workshop. Its value reflects its attractive iconography, relatively large five-inch size, and good overall enamel survival, while the plain reverse and absence of provenance limit the upper range.
Fair Market Value: $175 to $325 USD