Byzantine Cross Mount with Saint. 11th century A.D. A reliquary cross plate with equal arms, four fastening holes, decorated with nimbate figure of Christ or Saint in orans pose, dressed in long kolobion and chiton, with inscription above maybe reading '? ??(C)?(C) ?? (?)', possibly added later. Cf. similar style of crosses in various, Byzantium, the light in the Age of Darkness, New York, 1989, figs.70, 73, 74. 51.3 grams, 11.25 cm (4 3/8 in.) European private collection, 1970-1980s. London, UK, late 1990s. The cross is furnished with four holes and it was possibly destined to be attached to the corresponding lower plate. It could have been a part of a reliquary casket, or of a double cross keeping a holy relic. The rough work of the image suggests that it is of provincial workmanship, far from the city capital of Constantinople. [No Reserve]

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