ANTIQUE c.18th CENT. OLD BELIEVERS ORTHODOX "SUN" CROSS "THE KEEPER OF UNIVERSE" for Sale

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ANTIQUE c.18th CENT. OLD BELIEVERS ORTHODOX "SUN" CROSS "THE KEEPER OF UNIVERSE" For Sale

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ANTIQUE c.18th CENT. OLD BELIEVERS ORTHODOX "SUN" CROSS "THE KEEPER OF UNIVERSE":
$79.00

Antique large (approx. 1-3/4" tall with solid bale) OrthodoxCross pendant featuring traditional "Old Believers" ornate designwith the center of the pendant surrounded by ornamental openwork circle similarto a "Solar", or a "Sun" cross and image of the three-barSavior's Cross withabbreviatedChurch Slavonic text of thebeginning of an Orthodox hymn to the Holy Cross.In a Christian context, the"Sun Cross" design could symbolically represent Jesus as "thesun of righteousness" (Malachi 4:2) and His preaching, "I am thelight of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness" (John8:12).The Cross appears to have been hand made from a historical metal alloy of unknown composition. Origin likely c.18thcentury Russia (based on similar items listed in available catalogs; please seethe last two pictures for a reference).The item shows significant signsof wear consistent with its suggested age, such as reduced quality of artwork,visible deformations of the original shape, scratches or superficial cracks,dents,chipped off or corroded particles of metal,and patches of patina/oxidation. Most of the original thick patinahas been removed using a complex procedure of cleaning and polishing.Some pictures taken under bright illumination could give an impression that the metal is silvery, but its real color is closer to yellow (brass-like) reflecting presence of copper in the metal alloy.The size of the Cross is shown on the photographs forthis listing.

The reverse displaysapartially worn off floral or vine ornament symbolizing the life-givingnature of the Christian Cross, and also referring to the preaching of Christ:"I am the vine; you are the branches" (John 15:5).The ornament incorporatesabbreviated Church Slavonic words of a prayer, likely a continuation of the Hymnstarted on the obverse.

Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and might be photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US.International shipping is handled by . International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying.Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.