Moscow, 1908–1917
Dimensions: 26 x 30.8 cm (10 ¼ x 12 in)
Medium: Tempera on wood, gilded silver oklad (84 zolotniks), original glazed Karelian Birch kiot

A powerful and refined Russian Orthodox icon of Christ Pantocrator (“Almighty” in Greek), painted on a wooden panel and overlaid with an exquisite gilded silver oklad crafted by renowned Moscow silversmith Sergey Zharov between 1908 and 1917. Zharov, one of the leading icon oklad artisans of his time, was known for his precision, stylistic restraint, and exclusive focus on religious silverwork.

Christ is depicted in the traditional frontal pose, his right hand raised in blessing and his left holding an open Gospel. The oklad is remarkable for its delicate engraving and exceptional finish. The finely detailed halo bears the three-armed cross, the Greek abbreviation for Pantokrator, and is framed with a classic Greek key border. The halo’s soft matte surface contrasts dramatically with the radiant sunburst pattern that surrounds it, emphasizing Christ’s divine presence.

The silver riza (oklad) is marked on the lower rim and halo with the Russian Imperial silver standard of 84 zolotniks (875 silver), the Moscow assay office mark (1908–1917), and the maker’s initials of Sergey Zharov.

The icon is preserved in its original glazed kiot (case) made of Karelian Birch, a highly prized and visually striking native Russian wood, further enhancing the icon’s presence and protection.

Condition: Excellent. All elements, including the gilded silver and enamel, are intact and authentic. No restoration.

This is a museum-quality piece that exemplifies the devotional elegance and technical mastery of late Imperial Russian ecclesiastical art.