Orthodox icon "Mother of God" 925 silver niello

This icon depicts the Mother of God of the Seven Swords—one of the most striking iconographic types in Orthodox iconography, where seven swords pierce the heart of the Theotokos. The depiction is set in 925 sterling silver, hand-engraved, with niello inlay and partial gilding—a devotional object that carries a centuries-old pictorial tradition in silver.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, partial gilding, wooden base
• Technique: Hand engraving, niello inlay, gilding
• Motif: Mother of God of the Seven Swords
• Dimensions: approx. 141 × 121 × 25 mm
• Weight: approx. 230 g
• Hallmark: 925 Silver stamp
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug
• Packaging: Gift box

Material and Workmanship

The icon combines three artisanal techniques on a wooden base. The silver cladding (oklada) surrounds the image area, leaving the depiction of the Mother of God herself uncovered: Every line of the motif—the face, the drapery folds, the seven swords over her chest—is hand-engraved into the silver. A dark niello compound is melted into the engraved depressions in several places, which gives depth to the contours and remains permanently bonded with the silver. The halo and parts of the frame are partially gilded, lending the icon its sacred warmth. The icon is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, a center of Russian niello and silversmithing with a documented tradition dating back to 1683.

Use and Occasions

The Mother of God of the Seven Swords is associated with themes such as reconciliation and inner peace in the Orthodox tradition—the seven swords symbolize the pain that the Mother of God bears for humanity, according to the Gospel of Luke. A silver icon of this size is suitable as a gift for baptism, where it is considered the most significant godparent's gift in the Orthodox tradition and can accompany the child throughout life. It is also a meaningful gift for weddings, milestone birthdays, or as a sign of sympathy in difficult times. For collectors of Orthodox silver art, it is a standalone exhibit.

Care

Clean the silver surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth—no abrasive cleaners, no ultrasonic baths, and no silver dip solutions, as these could damage the niello inlay. Only wipe the gilding dry; do not treat it with aggressive polishes. Do not place the icon in direct sunlight and protect the wooden base from strong fluctuations in humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Mother of God of the Seven Swords signify?

The iconographic type refers to a prophecy in the Gospel of Luke, according to which the soul of the Mother of God will be pierced by a sword. The seven swords symbolize the pain she bears for suffering humanity and are associated with reconciliation and inner peace in Orthodox piety.

How does this icon differ from simple mass-produced goods?

Mass-produced icons are usually stamped, printed, or electroplated. This icon is hand-engraved, and the niello inlay is melted in by hand—the difference is palpable when viewed and touched.

How is the icon constructed?

The base is a wooden board, on which the silver cladding (oklada) is placed, leaving the figure of the Mother of God uncovered and covering the background and frame.

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