ANTIQUE c.19th CENTURY ORTHODOX MINIATURE BRONZE ICON ST. NICHOLAS WONDERWORKER For Sale

Antique miniature solid cast metal icon (approx. 2 1/4" tall and 2" wide; weight approx. 54.7 g) featuring the venerated Orthodox icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker depicted with smaller images of Jesus and theMost Holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary in the top part.The icon appears to have been hand made from a historical bronze or similar heavy copper-based alloy of unknown composition.It shows distinct marks from grinding file tools of the coppersmith maker. Origin likely circa 19th century Russia(according to available catalogs describing findings of similar design; please see thelast picture for a reference).The item shows significant signs of weardue to its old age and long devotional use, such as reduced quality of artwork, visible deformations of the original shape, cracks, scratches, dents and patches of patina/oxidation.The size and weight of the item are shown on the photographs for this listing.

The largesticonic image is a portrait of Saint Nicholas(Slavonic: Nicolay or Nicola/Nikola), one of the most renowned and venerated Christian saints, and a 4th-century Greek Bishop of Myra.The Saint is depictedas an Orthodox Bishop wearing the Omophorion (Bishop's vestments),holding the book of the Gospels in his left hand, and giving his blessing with his right hand.There is an abbreviated inscription in Church Slavonic next to Saint's shoulders"С. НИКОЛАЙ ЧЮДОТВОРЕЦ"meaning "ST. NICHOLAS THE MIRACLE WORKER".

Because of many miracles attributed to his intersession, this highly venerated Saint is usually referred to by the Orthodox faithful as the Wonderworker (or the Miracle Worker). His legendary habit of secret gift giving gave rise to traditional Christmas figures of Saint Nikolay in the Slavonic parts of the world and Santa Claus in the West. He is a patron saint of sailors, merchants, students, children, repentant thieves, and many countries and cities, such as Greece, Russia, Moscow, Amsterdam, Liverpool, and others.

The top part of the icon at the right hand of St. Nicholas displays a smaller image of Jesus also holding a Book of Gospels in His left hand, and giving His Blessing to St. Nicholas with Hisright hand. The space just above Christ's head bears the Sacred Name of Jesusinscribed as the ancient "IC XC" Greek Christogram. At the left handof St. Nicholas, there is an image of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary with the ancient Greek monogram "MP ΘY" meaning"Mother of God" inscribed just above Her head.

The bottom part of the icon shows two figures of male Orthodox Saints praying to St. Nicholas, onewearing the Omophorion (at the right hand of St. Nicholas), and the other wearing the monastic habit.

Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and are photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference.Please ask all questions before making a purchase.There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US.International shipping is handled by . International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying.Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.