The Patriarchal Mitre of Patriarch Kyprianos (1708-09 and 1713-14)

This diamond crown (Mitre), is one of the most precious objects in the treasury of the Monastery of Patmos. A network of cast floral decoration studded with small diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls cover the entire mitre in the shape of a cross. Five repousse metal plaques represent Christ Εnthroned as the Great High Priest, above the forehead, and the busts of the four Evangelists, arranged symmetrically on the top of the mitre. Around them are placed small enamel plaques in shades of green and blue, surrounded by twisted and flat wire decoration. Large precious stones and a cross at the top complete the decoration. The mitre was presented to the Monastery –according to tradition- by the Patmian Patriarch Neofytos VI. Nevertheless, we do not know exactly how or when this extraordinary piece of artwork came to the Monastery, as the inscribed initials on one of the enamel surfaces have not yet been interpreted.