Russian 19th century Spas icon of Christ Pantocrator

This fine piece of Russian religious work depicts Christ Pantocrator, which roughly translated to ‘Ruler of All’. In Orthodox Christianity, his icon is one of the most common religious images. Clothed in a richly decorated garment with floral and geometrical motifs, Christ is depicted facing the viewer with a contemplative look. His right hand is raised in a blessing. Traditionally the left hand holds a book representing the Gospel, however, the icon shows a variation in which Christ holds a religious relic topped with a cross, his hand resting on another religious circular piece. The whole icon is executed in 84 silver apart from Christ’s face, hair and hands which are painted on wood.  

The halo shines brightly around Christ’s head and includes pierced motifs with a repeated cross symbol, further emphasizing the icon’s very important meaning within the Russian Orthodox religion.

The Christ is set within a silver riza also called ‘oklad’. This is beautifully decorated with various geometrical and symmetrical designs. The top two corners of the riza include larger, more ornate patterns while the bottom two corners are adorned with a star shaped motif in a circular frame.

In the bottom centre, the riza is inscribed with writing in Cyrillic, translating to ‘Almighty’.

The piece is fully hallmarked with a maker’s mark, assay mark, silver purity mark (84 zolotniks) as well as a city mark (Moscow, Russia). 

Carrying deep religious meaning, this spas icon is an exceptional piece for anyone interested in Russian religious collectibles.