Russian Orthodox Icon of Jesus Pantacrator ("Вседержитель"), tempera on wood with original hallmarked silver oklad, in period wooden kiot icon case, mid- to late XIX C.
The icon measures 4 ½" x 5 ¼" x ½", framed in the wooden icon case measuring 9 ½" x 10 ½" x 2 ¾" including the hinged front glass panel. Weighs nearly 3.5 lbs. The face and hands of Jesus are the only parts of the icon visible through the cutouts in the silver oklad. Jesus Pantacrator, Ruler of All ("Вседержитель"), is the main icon of traditional iconostases of Eastern Orthodox Church. Jesus' use of two fingers making the sign of the cross is indicative of the Old Believers' ancient tradition. In his left ha
The icon measures 4 ½" x 5 ¼" x ½", framed in the wooden icon case measuring 9 ½" x 10 ½" x 2 ¾" including the hinged front glass panel. Weighs nearly 3.5 lbs. The face and hands of Jesus are the only parts of the icon visible through the cutouts in the silver oklad. Jesus Pantacrator, Ruler of All ("Вседержитель"), is the main icon of traditional iconostases of Eastern Orthodox Church. Jesus' use of two fingers making the sign of the cross is indicative of the Old Believers' ancient tradition. In his left hand, Jesus holds the New Testament. The open pages are inscribed in Church Slavonic, reading "I give you a new commandment." The bottom panel of the oklad's frame is inscribed with "Гдь Вседержитель", abbreviating the first word "Господь" ("Gospod", meaning "Lord") in the manner typical of the Russian Orthodox iconography. The bottom edge of the oklad shows the combined standard and city mark "84" to the left of St. George piercing the dragon with his spear, part of Moscow's city coat of arms. To the left of the hallmark is the maker's mark, two Cyrillic letters "КЗ".
The oklad with its cutouts creates an interesting effect, separating and at the same time uniting the mortal and the godly in Jesus Christ, the protection provided by the oklad to the painting of the icon enhancing the believers' reverence and love of God. Indeed, the warm colors of the painting shine through like a soft, gentle, and comforting light.
The icon is in excellent, outstanding condition. With the sides and back covered with short-pile velvet, under the protection of the oklad> and inside the closed space of the kiot, the image is preserved in pristine condition. The silver of the oklad shows a ½"-long split along the fold of the garment over Jesus' right arm. It is not gaping open, blends in well with the fold of the garment, and is not easily noticeable. The edges of the oklad are hammered tightly over the icon, and are held by six small nails.
The kiot, or icon case, is in very good to excellent condition. The wood of the box is finished with glossy lacquer and show no wear or damage whatsoever. The plaster of the internal frame has crumpled in two places where it touches the icon. These lacunas are visible but do not seem to affect the structural integrity of the whole assembly. The icon is additionally held in place by two small screws coming through the back side of the kiot. One of the screws is missing but this can be easily remedied, if desired. The back has an inscription in Japanese (the icon was acquired in Japan). The hanging loop on the back is made of rather thick steel, is minimally rusted, and is affixed tightly to the box with three screws. The latch holding the front glassed panel closed is in perfect working order. All the metal parts of the kiot appear to be period, possibly original.
Please note that the pen in our photo is for size reference.
$750.00 Add to cart