Filigree Cross - Side 1 - Bulgaria - Gallery

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Filigree Cross - Side 1 - Bulgaria

Posted by Peter Hoesli on February 10, 2015 at 1:46pm

This cross is double sided with one side featuring the Crucifix and the other side another biblical scene, carved in wood.

Comments

Alaa eddine SAGID February 10, 2015 at 2:59pm

Absolute wonderful workmanship and indeed many feature are similar to Betty's cross!!
Betty February 10, 2015 at 8:59pm

Again, thank you very much, Peter.

This is a stunning piece. May I ask how tall it is?

Regards, Betty
Peter Hoesli February 10, 2015 at 9:15pm

Dear Betty; It is exactly 20cm tall, while the other one is 27.5cm. This cross is much older than the taller one, which is more simple but beautiful as well. I have recently been offered a similar filigree cross, which is around 45cm (!!!) tall. What can I say - it is amazing, beautiful, accurate, perfect - just jaw dropping... The price is too. Hence, I have asked a friend of mine to negotiate as I cannot buy it right now since I have other commitments. Also, I would have to go to pick it up in person, which has never deterred me until now... I have shown this big cross also to well known collectors in Amman, who are collecting religious items but mainly from the Levant region. I believe that they could not sleep anymore that night... Now they want to join me on my trip... With kind regards. Peter
Betty February 11, 2015 at 10:09am

Thank you Peter, and all the best for acquiring the tall cross. It sounds like a fantastic piece!

But I am wondering whether it is no problem to buy religious items and the like in Bulgaria? In Russia for example, they are very strict about exporting cultural artefacts. And of course it is right to have some restrictions in order to prevent a buy-out. It is just sometimes interesting to see what is thought worthy of protection and what is not. When I bought some ethnic jewellery in the Caucasus region I was told that it was no problem to export a pieces for personal use, as jewellery of that kind was not seen as a cultural heritage. Had I on the other hand tried to export old weapons or an icon, it would have been more difficult. With best regards, Betty