Eastern Europe, Russia, ca. 18th century CE. A high-quality silver pendant constructed in modern times using a 18th century leaded brass repousse icon panel that was once enameled in vibrant hues. The brass relief scene depicts Christ's entrance to Jerusalem, the haloed Christ is seated on a donkey as celebratory crowds look on, and palm trees in the background. Cyrillic script is set above, just inside the plaque's border, but faint and rubbed. The antique brass icon is set in a modern 90% silver pendant setting that is further embellished with faceted diamonds in cruciform bezels. The bail is decorated with diamonds and the bail is also a clasp- one could easily attach this pendant to any necklace or chain! The pendant comes with a modern cord and is wearable. Size of pendant: 1.2" L x 1.8" W (3 cm x 4.6 cm); cord: 21" L (53.3 cm); silver quality: 90%; weight: 18 grams

This festal icon was used for the feast celebrated on the Sunday before Pascha (Easter) and is known as Palm Sunday by Westerners. In Russia, this holiday is called Willow Sunday, as Russia has no palm trees. Icons (icon means "image" in Greek) are sacred objects within the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Found in homes as well as churches, these painted images depict holy persons and saints as well as illustrate scenes from the Scriptures. Icons are not worshiped but are instead venerated for their ability to focus the power of an individual's prayer to God. As such they are truly "windows into heaven."

Provenance: ex-Dallas, Texas, USA collection

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#174598

Loss to most enamel with white and blue remains as shown. Some iridescence on enamel from age. Some softening to finer details and script, but well preserved motifs. Loss to corner of brass panel visible on verso. Set in modern pendant setting and strung on a modern cord as a wearable piece.