Orthodox silver mounted horn pendant. Probably Mount Athos, 18th/19th centu

An Orthodox silver mounted carved horn pendant.

Ottoman Greek, probably Mount Athos, late 18th - early 19th century.

Measures 7.5 x 6.6 x 1.7cm.

The ornate heart shaped silver frame is set with a carved horn plaque. The plaque is carved to both sides with the Virgin and child to one side and Saint George slaying the dragon to the other.

The refinement of carving evident in this medallion, whose compositions are based on Byzantine models, is characteristic of the the highly skilled craftsmanship for which Mount Athos in northern Greece was famous. The horn from which items such as this - called enkolpia - were carved was thought to have magical properties in East-Christian worship.