McHarp 12" Iona Celtic Cross

McHarp 12" Iona Celtic Cross
Item #MH 114
Regular price:$64.95
AvailabilityUsually ships the next business day

Description

A McHarp cast stone Celtic cross based on a recumbent cross slab on the Isle of Iona.

The monastic site on the Isle of Iona off the coast of Scotland was founded by St. Columba of Ireland. Fourteen centuries ago it was a center of the western Christian world. The community at Iona had close links with Ireland in the 8th century, and it was a meeting place of different artistic traditions and workmanship of the highest quality. Iona was the place of final rest for 48 kings of Scotland (including MacBeth), eight Norwegian kings and four Irish kings.

The panels of interwoven Celtic knotwork represent the interconnectedness of life, things without beginnings and ends, and the ongoing spiritual journey. The outer circle symbolizes heaven.

Cast in the USA by McHarp-- the mother-daughter team of Ruth McKay and Linda Harp. Linda has a masters degree in anthroplogy, and Ruth has an extensive background in art and sculpture. Each cross is inspired by an actual carved stone cross in Ireland or the British Isles.

The piece is first carved in clay, and then a mold is taken from the carving. The molds are used to cast the crosses in a durable stone-like material, and the pieces are then stained and sealed several times to achieve the final finish. The cross comes with an attached wire hanger on the back, and is ready to be displayed indoors or outdoors in sheltered areas.

12.5 inches high by 7 inches wide. Lovely weight and feel (somewhere between ceramic and stone).

To see a larger view, please click on the image.