10th-11th century AD. A mixed group of three crosses, including two pendants: one with pellet terminals and suspension loop; one half of a reliquary cross pendant with suspension loop and engraved head of a male with monogram in each arm, reading NIKOLAOS (Saint Nicola); one plain. See Yotov, V., Atanassov, G.,Skala. Une Fortresse Du X-Xis Pres Du Village De Kladentzi, Dep. De Tervel, Bulgaria, Varna, 1998, pl.XI, pl.XCVIII, no.315, for parallel. 41.8 grams total, 48-70mm (2 - 2 3/4"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. Enkolpion (from the Ancient Greek ?????????, literally 'on the chest'; plural ????????, enkólpia) refers to crosses, originally containing relics, which were (and still are) worn around the neck by Orthodox Christians. They were widely used within the Eastern Roman commonwealth in the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine periods. [3, No Reserve] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price