Ca. 1100-1400 AD. An exquisite cast copper-iron processional cross composed of two flared sections pinned together in the center with a cast-bronze medallion. The lateral arms have pointed finials on their upper corners, and on top is an intricate bronze crucifix finial flanked by palmettes. From each arm hangs a pair of suspended rock crystal beads, and a large tang projects from beneath the vertical arm. The circular bronze medallion is ringed with faint silvering and displays an image of the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ. A pointille Greek inscription on the obverse side reads, "SOFRONIYO," possibly an inexact genitive name form of "Sofronios," perhaps the individual responsible for dedicating the cross. Another inscription on the horizontal arms, though faded on the left arm, reads, "…IA KONYA," perhaps a reference to the modern city of the same name. Published in "Venerable Traditions: Works of Art from the Ancient World." Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd., New York, 2007.Size: L:685mm / W:325mm ; 885gProvenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, before 2010; ex-Janet Zakos collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1980s.