Antique Jerusalem Cross of Olive Wood inlaid with Mother of Pearl 19th Century, Superb Quality
Where we live is on the pilgrim route to the Holy Land that was guarded by the Knights Templar to protect the pilgrims as they made their way there and back.
The reason I mention that is because it must have been an early Christian from this region who made that pilgrimage and brought back this marvellous crucifix from Jerusalem. It is the only explanation as to why it should have been at an antique fair near my home.
This is a powerful piece. Not large, at 15 x 8 centimetres but beautifully made and decorated. The cross is of olive wood inlaid with ebony and other woods. Behind the bronze Corpus Christi the cross has been inlaid with mother of pearl and four mother of pearl wings radiate from the centre.
Three points of the cross are tipped with fine bone and the reverse has the 14 stations of the cross in mother of pearl. There is a hole in each of these whith earth from each point of Christ's journey to Golgotha.
Every piece is perfect with no chips or cracks anywhere, so unusual for one of these crosses.
Where we live is on the pilgrim route to the Holy Land that was guarded by the Knights Templar to protect the pilgrims as they made their way there and back.
The reason I mention that is because it must have been an early Christian from this region who made that pilgrimage and brought back this marvellous crucifix from Jerusalem. It is the only explanation as to why it should have been at an antique fair near my home.
This is a powerful piece. Not large, at 15 x 8 centimetres but beautifully made and decorated. The cross is of olive wood inlaid with ebony and other woods. Behind the bronze Corpus Christi the cross has been inlaid with mother of pearl and four mother of pearl wings radiate from the centre.
Three points of the cross are tipped with fine bone and the reverse has the 14 stations of the cross in mother of pearl. There is a hole in each of these whith earth from each point of Christ's journey to Golgotha.
Every piece is perfect with no chips or cracks anywhere, so unusual for one of these crosses.