Exceptional 1884 Orthodox Three Holy Hierarchs Icon In Silver Riza
Buckland, United Kingdom
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Material
Silver
Style
Antique, Traditional
Product Details
Description
An exceptional late nineteenth-century Orthodox icon of the Three Holy Hierarchs, enclosed within an extraordinarily elaborate silver riza made by a named Reval silversmith.
The icon depicts Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom standing frontally in richly ornamented episcopal vestments, each holding a closed Gospel. Above them is a small image of Christ Pantocrator, while the saints' names are engraved beneath the figures in ornate Church Slavonic script.
The folded silver edges bear the maker's mark HG, attributed to Heinrich Gottfried Ferdinand Grünbaum, together with the date 1884 and the 84 zolotnik silver standard, equivalent to 875 fineness.
The silverwork is exceptionally rich. Almost every part of the surface is decorated with engraving, chasing, punched ornament and finely worked geometric patterns. The background includes lozenges, meanders, interlaced crosses, braided motifs and rosettes. The large radiating haloes are divided into individually engraved sections, while the vestments contain crosses, ornamental borders and miniature sacred medallions.
The density of the decoration, the scale of the work and the high degree of craftsmanship indicate an important individual commission rather than ordinary commercial production. Such an elaborate and costly riza would have been created for an icon considered particularly significant and worthy of veneration.
The silver conceals almost the entire painted surface. Only the faces, hands, parts of the beards and the small figure of Christ remain visible. These exposed areas show traditional tempera painting over gesso, a dark preparatory sankir layer, carefully built highlights and natural age-related craquelure.
Although the riza dates from 1884, in our considered opinion the icon itself is likely to be considerably earlier. The visible technical and stylistic evidence indicates that significantly earlier painting with substantial independent historical, artistic and market value may survive beneath the silver.
The riza has not been removed during our ownership. Exact dating, attribution and assessment of the concealed painting will require professional removal by a qualified icon conservator.
The piece therefore combines the assured value of a rare, fully hallmarked work by a named silversmith with the exceptional research potential of a still-unexplored icon. It would make a major statement within a collection of historic religious art and a deeply meaningful gift for a collector, historian or practising Christian.
Dimensions:
27 × 31 cm
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Condition report:
Natural tarnishing, oxidation, surface wear, scratches and local deformation to the silver. The upper left corner is bent. There are several small punctures, tears and local losses to the silver sheet. The visible painting has age-related craquelure and local losses, including a noticeable loss to the face of Saint Basil the Great. The textile backing is heavily worn. The riza has not been removed, and the condition of the concealed painting, gesso and wooden panel is unknown.
Wear Condition
Excellent
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for all orders within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
No
Made to Last
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
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To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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