Antique Mary And Jesus Riza Icon

The silver-plated copper top has been masterfully decorated with intricate designs by skilled artists. There are cut-outs to display the faces of Mother Mary and Baby Jesus, and a layer of the riza has been bent to create a three dimentional halo that encompasses both of their heads. This riza overlay is attached to the wood with the original nails. This three dimensional feature is truly unique for antique icons. Usually these icons are constructed in two dimensions with relief work, but this icon is different and rare. This icon also has two parallel pins to prevent the wood from warping, this technique has been used since the 15th century in wood working in Russia. Lastly, the back of this icon displays a sticker from the Soviet Ministry of Culture of the former Soviet Union (CCCP). This sticker essentially gives permission to the owner to remove the historic icon from Russia on March 25, 1974. This vintage antique icon has been around for a long time, and it has been through a lot, but it still looks great.