Bidspirit auction | ANTIQUE 1873 RUSSIAN SARATOV SILVER

ANTIQUE 1873 RUSSIAN SARATOV SILVER CHRIST PANTOCRATOR ICON - This large 19th-century Russian Old Believer icon portrays Christ Pantocrator executed in tempera on a wooden panel, entirely encased within an intricately decorated silver oklad. The substantial silver cover is extensively engraved with scrolling foliate motifs, featuring raised corner plaques, a patterned engine-turned central ground, and an applied, highly detailed gilded halo. The silver mounts are fully hallmarked for Saratov, 1873, displaying the 84 zolotnik standard, assayer's initials ”А.З”, and maker's initials ”И.П” on both the halo and the lower edge. Christ is depicted holding an open Gospel bearing Church Slavonic text while offering a blessing with His right hand. The upper rim of the silver oklad bears an old incised weight inscription, and the reverse of the wooden panel retains an antique dealer label for Barbara and Richard Kaszuba Antiques, London. russian orthodox art, antique silver oklad, christ pantocrator, saratov silver 1873, imperial russian icon, religious artifact, eastern orthodox, old believer icon, hallmarked silver. Dimensions 15 1/2 x 12 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (39.4 x 32.4 x 3.8 cm). Weight of the oklad is approximately 688 grams. Condition The silver oklad is in good overall condition, showing minor tarnish and light surface wear consistent with age. The chased gilded halo retains a bright finish. The visible painted panel appears structurally stable with typical age-related craquelure and minor surface dirt. The wooden panel's reverse displays old scratches, a gallery label, and modern wire hanging hardware.