Traditional Russian Enamel Cross. Reversible. RUSSIAN ENAMEL WORK. When Russia accepted Christianity from the Church of Constantinople, it also adopted the art forms of the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople was renowned enamel jewelry. The artisans of Kiev in ancient Rus as the well famous jewelers of St Petersburg developed enamel coloration and designs of which this cross is a classic design. FRONT. The top of the contains the Slavonic word ????? Below is a traditional Russian three barred cross. This cross was originally from Byzantine times and adopted by the Russian church when I sought its independence from the Patriarch of Constantinople. VERSO. Classic Russian enamel design. 1 1/4"x3/4"
