Alexander Ritchie walked the ancient island of Iona surrounded by carved stone crosses that had stood against the Atlantic wind for centuries. Their interlacing patterns, strange little figures and ancient Christian symbols became the language of his work, but he did not simply copy the past. He took those great monuments and translated them into objects that could once again be touched, carried and worn. This wonderful silver cross feels like a piece of that landscape made portable, its flowers, leaves and rounded forms rising from the surface as though carved in miniature from one of Iona’s ancient stones.

Dating to around 1930, this large sterling silver cross was designed by celebrated Scottish Arts and Crafts designer Alexander Ritchie, whose work became closely associated with the Celtic Revival on the Isle of Iona. Its long, narrow form incorporates the traditional ring surrounding the intersection of the arms, while open spaces give the design wonderful depth and an architectural quality. The front is richly modeled with stylized flowers, leaves and rounded bosses against a recessed ground, while the reverse continues the decoration in lower relief with intricate interlaced foliage and figures. It measures 81.3 millimeters from top to bottom including the bail, 23 millimeters across and 3.5 millimeters deep, and weighs 16.7 grams. It is hallmarked with the lion passant for sterling silver. At more than three inches long, it has wonderful presence when worn while remaining beautifully slender and elegant.

Born from ancient stones on a tiny Scottish island, and meant to be carried out into the world.

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