983 - Silver cross with an inscription and niello decoration, Middle Byzantine period, 9th–12th centuries.

Silver cross with an inscription and niello decoration, Middle Byzantine period, 9th–12th centuries. A cross typical of the Middle Byzantine period, with forked arms ending in medallions. Another medallion in the center. The cross arms are silver plated and adorned with linear black niello decoration: parallel lines on the outer edge, and floral tendrils on the inner surface. The inner medallions are gilded, and the relief—specifically the inscription—rises prominently from a recessed background. In the center is a bust of the Savior. In the outer medallions is the abbreviated Greek inscription: IC (left) / XC (right) / NI (top) / KA (bottom): Jesus Christ the Victor. At the top is a movable, barrel-shaped eyelet connected to the cross by a three-part hinge: in the center, an eyelet protruding from the cross; on either side, two pierced plates extending from below the ends of the lower edge of the barrel-shaped eyelet. The three elements of the hinge are pierced in the center and a silver pin is threaded through them, with a river pearl attached to the left and right of the hinge. The ends of the silver pin are flattened. On the silver plated reverse side, a Greek inscription is inlaid in black niello and arranged in a cross shape: Lord, help Your servant (Michael?) . Apart from a scratch on the back, this is an exceptionally beautiful and very well-preserved cross pendant for a necklace—and a rare example in silver. Height 42 mm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: Private collection in southern Germany, acquired from the grandfather’s estate. Purchased by him at art fairs and in galleries during the 1980s and 1990s. Condition: II +