This is the enkolpion of Kyrillos of Kyzikos (1686-1711), probably of Constantinopolitan origin. The date it came to the possession of the monastery is unknown. The decoration of the one side consists mainly of precious stones, large polygonal emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The gilded and enamelled mounts of the stones combined with the open-work background, produce an impressive range of colour, typical of the Constantinopolitan taste. On the other side, an emerald acts as a reliquary for a fragment of the True Cross or the relic of a saint and is encircled by the owners inscription, with which Kyrillos calls upon Christ to give him the grace to wear the enkolpion at all services in honour of the Virgin. The miniature paintings in enamel are accordingly connected with the Mother of God and depict Christ in Glory, the Annunciation and bishops, while prophets and angels surround the border. Of particular interest are the oil-lamps in the Annunciation scene, that resemble the lamps of a Moslem shrine, and the decorative flowers of western origin, that were used in Constantinople from the middle of the 17th century.
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