Russian Bronze Cross Pendant

An ornate cross with flaring lower lobes, like a leaf-shaped shield.

This cross pendant from Novgorod is from Novgorod, Russia, and dates to the late 17th or early 18th century. It is bronze. Novgorod is one of the oldest cities of Russia, and it was an important center of Orthodox Christian life and of trade across northern Europe. Pendant cross with a thick loop and a swelling base that tapers to a point. Raised inner cross, small inscriptions and framed ends. The dark surface has silvery speckles and heavy, grainy wear across its field. It is 1.5 inches long and 2.25 high.

Detailed enough to need a magnifying glass.