17th-18th century AD. An embroidered fabric chalice coverprising five squares arranged in cruciform manner; the four panels representing the arms of the cross showing angels within column arches, depicting the four archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel, each dressed in similar fashion but with different facial features; the centre section showing the Crucifixion with Mary on the left and St John on the right; the nimbate figure of Mary dressed in long robes, her right hand raised, Greek inscription 'MR (TH)U' above for Maria Theotokou, Maria the Mother of God; the nimbate St John to the right, dressed in similar fashion, Greek inscription 'S IOU' above for Sanctos Joannou, Saint John, above; Greek inscription 'IS XS' for Jeso Christos, the placard above the head of Jes inscribed in Slavonic text 'IN(TS)I' for Jes of Nazareth, King of the Jews; red silk lining to the inside (now detached) with an owner inscription in Rsian 'Transkaya Svati Neka** Monastiira N.11' loosely meaning 'Item 11 from the treasure of the monastery of Saint Nekaya'. 175 grams, 44.5cm high (17 1/2"). UK trade, 2000. Ex central London gallery. Apanied by a copy of an academic report. The third character on the inscription on the placard above Jes's head appears to be Slavonic TS for Tsar rather than Greek B for Basileos. The inscription attached to the cross is part of the biblical text, and so derived from Slavonic text, while the description of Mary as the Mother of God is a caption and so with the other captions is derived from traditional Greek works of art. [No Reserve]