Sanctification Cross

This sanctification cross, very richly decorated, bears a carved wooden kernel and a silver gilt mounting. The front and the back have the representations of the Baptism and the Crucifixion, with angels and Evangelists. It stands on a circular foot, supported on three cast animals, while around the rim there is the owner’s inscription. The decoration is completed by birds, heads of angels, and serpents with flowering branches coming out of their mouths. Coral, pearls, stones, champlevé enamel and opaque filigree have been used, so as to create a multi-coloured effect, in colours of green and blue, very popular in the Ottoman art. The decorative motifs and exquisite style of the cross are prevalent in the art of Constantinople during the middle of the 17th century.