Bold, beautifully detailed and wonderfully tactile, this large silver cross was designed by Alexander Ritchie, the celebrated Scottish Arts and Crafts designer whose work is closely associated with the Celtic Revival on the Isle of Iona. Dating to around 1930, the cross draws directly from the ancient carved stone crosses and early Christian ornament that inspired so much of Ritchie’s work. Its long, narrow form incorporates the traditional ring surrounding the intersection of the arms, while open spaces give the design depth and a distinctly architectural quality. The surface is richly modeled with stylized flowers, leaves and rounded bosses against a recessed ground, creating the wonderfully handmade character for which Ritchie’s Iona work is known. The reverse continues the decoration in lower relief, with an intricate pattern of interlaced foliage and figures. It is a striking example of the Scottish Celtic Revival, ancient imagery reinterpreted through the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Created around 1930, the cross measures 81.3 millimeters from top to bottom including the bail, 23 millimeters across and 3.5 millimeters deep. It weighs 16.7 grams and is hallmarked with the lion passant for sterling silver. At more than three inches long, it has wonderful presence when worn, while its slender proportions keep it elegant and remarkably wearable.

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