Lot 45: A BYZANTINE GOLD ENKOLPION PENDANT, CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.

The obverse depicts two standing figures flanking a central patriarchal cross, traditionally identified as Saints Constantine and Helen. Both figures are shown wearing imperial robes and circular haloes, with their hands raised in a gesture of veneration towards the cross. The scene is enclosed within a border of raised pellets. The reverse features a central figure of Christ Pantocrator enthroned with a cruciform nimbus, his right hand raised in a blessing gesture. The head of Christ is flanked by the raised characters IC and XC, serving as the Greek abbreviations for Iesous Christos. The pendant is topped with an integral cylindrical suspension loop decorated with scrolled wirework and three gold granules.

L: 4.2cm

Weight: 9g