One of a Pair of Temple Pendants, with Busts of Male Saints Holding Martyr's Cross (front) and Leaf and Rosette Motifs (back)
Unknown Artist
11th–12th century
Medium
Cloisonné enamel, gold
Dimensions
Overall: 2 1/8 x 1 7/8 x 9/16 in. (5.4 x 4.8 x 1.5 cm)
Classification
Enamels-Cloisonné
Culture
Kyivan Rus’
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.190.707
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite temple pendant from the Kyivan Rus’ (11–12th century) the region's masterful blend of Byzantine artistry and Eastern Slavic devotion. The front features busts of male saints clutching martyr's crosses, symbols of faith and sacrifice, rendered in vibrant cloisonné enamel on a gold base. The reverse displays delicate leaf and rosette motifs evoking nature's abundance and perhaps paradise. Measuring just over 2 inches tall, this diminutive jewel was likely one of a pair worn as earrings or suspended from religious garments, bridging personal piety with liturgical splendor. Cloison...