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Antique Russian Fiery Ascension of the Prophet Elijah Rare 5 Color Enamel Icon

About the Item

A rare Russian five color polychrome enamel bronze travel icon depicting scenes from the life of the Prophet Elijah including the Fiery Ascension. The border in cornflower blue enamel and scrolled foliate elements topped by the Old Slavonic inscription- Obraz Sviatovo Proroka Ulii- Image of the Holy Prophet Elijah. In the upper left corner is of the hand of God on a white enamel background signifying the clouds. To the right is the Fiery Ascension of Elijah with his dynamic winged horses on a background of finely hand chased flames with stylized wind gusts. The Prophet holds the reigns in his right hand and reaches out with his left to his follower Elisha with a mantle for the parting of the waters of the river Jordan. The river Jordan takes center stage in the icon as a dramatic element - a wide swath of flowing waves with the scenes from the life of Elijah depicted to its left: The Prophet Elijah in the wilderness; Elijah hides in the desert and is fed by an Angel; and Elijah and Elisha crossing the river Jordan parted by Elijah's mantle. This scarce icon is especially significant for the Old Believers tradition. The Old Believers were the chief makers of bronze icons, created by using fire rather than painted by hand. The veneration of the Prophet Elijah, who through his sacrifice, was able to call for fire from heaven manifests a special connection for the sect. Fire, ogon in Russian, was viewed as a purifier and a link to the Last Judgement and the end of the world. Polychrome enamel icons required a separate firing for each color of enamel- this icon underwent the process five times for cornflower blue, sky blue, deep indigo, white and sage green. Very good original condition with the enameling largely intact. A highly desirable image of excellent quality hand chasing with fine detail to the scenes.

Dimensions:

Height: 5.88 in (14.94 cm)Width: 4.88 in (12.4 cm)Depth: 0.2 in (5.08 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Enamel

Place of Origin:

Russia

Period:

19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

19th Century

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.