**First Time At Auction**

Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 11th to 13th century CE. A fine processional iron cross with leaded-bronze details. The cross has 4 thick arms presented atop a slender shaft. The arms flare outward and terminate with bronze disc shaped embellishments welded to each corner. In the center is an applied iron cross with petaloid arms and circular bezels on each tip that may have once contained semi-precious stones or colorful glass. Processional crosses like this example would be mounted atop slender wooden poles for all to witness during religious, military, and even imperial processions. The surface has developed a nice russet patina over the ages! Size: 22.5" L x 12.75" W (57.2 cm x 32.4 cm); 23.5" H (59.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#157780

Losses to bronze discs on arm tips and center. Perforations and indentations to remaining embellishments. Losses to central bronze cross embellishment and missing the material in the bezels. Surface pitting and age expected wear and chips. Rich russet patina throughout.