10th-12th century AD. A bifacial bronze reliquary cross pendant with hinge to the bottom and ribbed suspension loop above, one plate bearing Christ robed and nimbate, the arms outstretched on the cross, with two busts of the four evangelists on upper and lower arm, the Virgin and Saint John placed under the arms; the other plate bearing the Mother of God in orans pose, surrounded by the four evangelists. See similar example in Pitarakis, B., Les Croix-Reliquaires Pectorales Byzantines En Bronze, Paris, 2006, p.225, fig.129, in the Smart Museum of Chicago University. 54 grams, 91mm (3 1/2"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. The shape belongs to the type IV of the Pitarakis classification of reliquary crosses, i.e. the ones with the ornamentation moulded in relief. In this type the head of Christ is slightly reclined towards the right, and the figures are dressed in garments rendered with strong oblique and vertical embossing. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [No Reserve] Condition Report Fine condition.