Christ Pantocrator, A silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel Russian Icon

Christ Pantocrator, A silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel Russian Icon
Moscow, 1892
Icon: 23.5cm high x 20cm wide x 4cm depth.
Case: 26.5cm high x 23cm wide x 7cm depth.
 
This exceptional piece is a silver and enamel Russian Icon depicting Christ Pantocrator, 'the almighty,' or 'all-powerful,' a popular and enduring depiction of Christ characteristic of Orthodox and Eastern European Christianity. It is fully hallmarked and contains the maker's mark, 'Ye.K' in Cyrillic - the enamel halo is further inscribed - and it is crafted from gilt silver and cloisonné enamel.
 
It is set within a glazed oak, shadowbox and kiot frame, and has a decoratively carved lining which is also gilt. It was made in Moscow in 1892, and show Christ holding his right hand up in a gesture of blessing while his left holds out an open Bible. A blue and instantly recognisably Russian halo is placed behind Christ's head, who is excellently rendered; the silver-gilding and the enamel is executed with great artistic skill and finesse.