12th-13th century AD. A steatite icon with nimbate Saint John Chrysostom facing, dressed in ecclesiastical bishop's robes, omophorion around his neck, in a sticharion tunic and the outer phelonion, a patriarchal cross in his right hand and the Gospel on his left arm. See Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, items 209-214, for type.13.9 grams, 40mm (1 1/2"). From the collection of a Surrey gentleman; acquired 1970-1980. In the 10th century, icons cut from steatite still showed clear parallels to carved ivory icons. In the 11th and 12th centuries they moved away from the models and developed into an independent art genre. In 13th century, we can note that the icons became more three-dimensional. Steatite icons were used for private piety and were often carried along by their owners, which led to the wear and tear of the surfaces.