Russian Bronze Cross Pendant

Soot-dark cross with chunky stepped shoulders and a raised cross hiding on its face.

This bronze cross pendant is from Novgorod, Russia, and dates to the 18th or 19th century. Small bronze crosses of this kind are usually cast with a loop for a cord and often carry inscriptions or figures in low relief. At first glance, a small pendant cross in near-black tone with square, stepped arm ends and a thick loop at the top. A narrower raised cross sits in the center of the front. The surface is matte, lumpy and uneven. It is 0.75 inches long and 1.25 high.

Blunt, dark, and not interested in being dainty.