Pelena (Icon Cloth)

The pelena is made of white silk fabric (satin). At the center is a round medallion with a floral outline, within which is a depiction of Jesus Christ in a hall with curtains. He wears a chiton and himation, with a round radiant halo above his head. Christ sits at a covered table, on which are set a diskos with a portion of prosphora and a chalice with wine, symbolizing his flesh and blood. Around the medallion are four floral branches with stems and leaves. Around the perimeter is a wide double frame, whose field bears a winding, multicolored floral branch. The embroidery is worked in metal and silk threads, with the addition of golden sequins and colored foil. The pelena is lined on the reverse with blue silk fabric.

The object entered the museum's holdings in 1956.

Note: "pelena" is a general term for a group of ornamental textiles used in church practice. This particular pelena was used to cover the Gifts.