Russian 3 Leaf Icon Depicting Jesus the Teacher, Mother of God, John the Baptist, Based

Three holy figures, hinged to close, made to travel with the faithful.

This 3 leaf icon depicting Jesus the Teacher, the Mother of God and John the Baptist is from Russia, 18th century, in bronze and enamel. Folding metal icons were sturdy, portable devotional objects, carried by travelers and kept in Orthodox homes, and they often gathered this same trio of intercessors. Christ holds an open book at the center. Mary inclines from the left leaf and a winged John from the right, against patches of bright blue enamel. Mounted on a base, it stands seven inches high.

Prayer, in a form that shuts like a book.