Very large and sublime wooden cross with inlaid mother-of-pearl decoration
19th century
Tonkin, Nguyên Dynasty, North Vietnam.
63 cm!
 
The first Christian missionaries arrived in Vietnam in the 16th century, mainly Spanish and Portuguese Catholics. The first Nguyễn Emperor, Gia Long (1802-1820) had good relations with Christians and allowed the christian faith to flourish, in part because European troops had help his victories in establishing his dynasty. In 1820, there were as many as 300,000 Christians in Tonkin, in northern Vietnam.
 
A fine example made of a dense, dark brown hardwood, meticulously encrusted with mother of pearl. The center of the cross is decorated with a large rose, a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
Each end of the cross has a three-lobed shape, referring to the holy trinity; The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Each end is encrusted with European-style acanthus leaves, while the rest of the cross is decorated with a more traditional Vietnamese interpretation of flowering shrubs, floral patterns, and foliage.
Very good condition despite some lacks.
Quality object.
No stand.