Cross of Theophanu

The Cross of Theophanu (German: Theophanu-Kreuz) is one of four Ottonian processional crosses in the Essen Cathedral Treasury and is among the most significant pieces of goldwork from that period. It was gifted by Theophanu, Abbess of Essen, who reigned from 1039 to 1058.

The basic form is that of a Latin cross with a lump of Egyptian quartz mounted at its centre, 44.5 cm high and 30 cm wide with a cedar core, decorated on both faces and the edges. On the edges there is an inscription, originally worked in gilt silver, but now largely lost, which identifies Theophanu as the Stifter (donor). From the fragments a portion, at least, of the text can be reconstructed: EDITA REGALE GENERE NOBILIS ABBATISSA THEOPHANU HOC SIGNUM DEDIT "Born of a royal family, noble Abbess Theophanu donated this standard".

The ends of the cross are formed by rectangular sections with rounded inner corners. At the centre on the front, there is a large, oval quartz crystal. Behind it there are two pieces of the true cross on red velvet, enclosed as relics. The crystal is located on a round plate decorated with pearls, jewels and filigree work, which extends beyond the crossing and thereby enlarges the centre of the cross. Running along the edges of the cross are two bands made up of alternating enamel plates and gemstones (fastened with filigree). Between them there is a narrow central band of filigree work. At the ends of the cross there are two enamel plates decorated with gemstones, pearls and filigreework on either side of a gemstone. The eighteen enamel plates on the cross can be divided into three groups. The first group depicts stylised plants or animals whose natural models can only be found in the east (there are eight of these). The six plates on the stem and branches of the cross have a plaited pattern. The four enamels in the third group feature an interplay of the cloisonne and champleve methods, forming a fisch scale pattern.

...
Wikipedia