Antique 15th-16th c Russian Orthodox Byzantine Bronze Pectoral Cross

 
Authentic antique Russian - The Grand Duchy of Moscow, rare version of Orthodox Byzantine double-sided cast bronze Pectoral Cross pendant, circa 15th- 16th century A.D. Cast in low relief the obverse with image of the Christ crucified on the cross, with Greek alphabet lettering beneath the arms are the letters in Greek alphabet, “OV " and “MP”, an abbreviation of the Greek: “Mater Theos” – the Mother of God. Round medallions to the arms of the cross with busts of saints.
The reverse depicting standing with outspread arms, robed figure of Elijah the prophet with a scroll in his hand. Each arm of the cross adorned with roundel finial containing busts of a saints. 
 
REFERENCES: Similar cross from the collection of The Andrei Rublev Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Arts, are published in the catalogue: Andrei Rublev Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Arts in Moscow Russia. Published in the catalogue. Crosses, Icons, Hinged Icons by Gnutova, E. Ya. Zotova. Page 27 figure 17 and page 29 figure 26. With note; An image of Elijah the prophet appeared on crosses in the late 14th century. A fold like that has been found on the field of the Kulikovo battle (September 8, 1380) 
 
The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity. 
 
To view a related cross in the Russian museums please see the link below 
 
http://new.russikona.ru/collection/section-9/157 
 
http://www.olevs.ru/novgorodskoe_litje/static/napersnye_kresty/ 
 
The 15th- 16th century Russian double-sided cast Bronze Pectoral Crosses with an image of Elijah the prophet are extremely rare compared to other versions of the related crosses. 
 
DIMENSIONS: 6.5 cm x 5.1 cm ((2 .5 inches x 2 inches) 
 
CONDITION: In its original condition showing the age and usage. surface covered by a dark patina and earth encrustation, slightly bent, with broken suspension loop. All of this is an aspect from an antique cross which is approximately 500 years old. Please see the photos as they are a part of the description.