Rare antique medium-sized (approx. 1 3/8" tall; weight approx. 2g) Orthodox Crucifix pendant featuring a unique handmade ornate design with images of the Crucified Savior and the All-Seeing Eye of God. The "sprouting" shape of the lower crossbar of the pendant incorporating a vine-like ornament could symbolize the life-giving nature of the Christian Cross, and also referring to the preaching of Christ: "I am the vine; you are the branches" (John 15:5). 

The top "budded" end of the vertical crossbar displays a large symbolic image of an eye inside a triangle. The symbol is often referred to as the "All-seeing Eye of God", and is also known to represent God the Father Almighty and/or the Holy Trinity. The left and right wider ends of the horizontal crossbar bear Sacred Name of Jesus Christ inscribed as the "IC XC" Greek Christogram, the "IC" on the left, and the "XC" on the right.

The Crucifix appears to have been made from a historical silvery metal alloy of unknown composition in the late 19th - early 20th century Russian Empire. Crosses of similar design were found in what is today Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Ukraine, and displayed in the Ukrainian Museum of the Cross (please see the last picture for a reference). It is not a sterling silver item (at least it did not test as such). The item shows visible signs of wear and aging consistent with its suggested age, such as reduced quality of artwork, deformations, scratches, dents or chipped off particles of metal, and patches of patina/oxidation. Most of the original thick patina has been removed using a complex procedure of cleaning and polishing. The size of the pendant is shown on the photographs for this listing.

Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference and artistic background. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International shipping is handled by Ebay. International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.