Greek icon from the end of the 19th century-early 20th century

Greek icon from the end of the 19th century - beginning of the 20th century.
"Mother of God Source of life".
Tempera on wood. Oklad of silver plated brass.
Presents marks of use, wear. Some non-active xylophages in the wood.
Measurements: 15 x 13 cm.

The interest of this lot lies, to a great extent, in the oklad, the plate that covers part of its surface. The tradition of decorating the icons with oklad appears after the mandate of the Most Holy Ruling Synod of 1722, when it was forbidden to hang on the icons the metallic crosses and to leave the offerings in the form of coins, since this tradition had pagan roots. This applied decoration is found almost everywhere in the world, but it is more widespread in Central and Eastern Europe. And in the Orthodox tradition, the manufacture of these items became a separate kind of art and craftsmanship: many travelers noted with admiration in their diaries the luxury of Ukrainian and Russian shrines. The material for specialized craftsmen were noble metals, brass, copper and even tin. The wrought iron base was completed with semi-precious stones, reliefs, engravings, enamels, filigree, stained glass and enamels. The back was lined with soft red or purple velvet, or covered with wax. There were also embroidered oklad, in which the sturdy fabric was adorned with pearls and beads.
Oklads not only have an aesthetic purpose, but also a practical one. Icons painted on wood suffer from soot from candles, humidity, temperature fluctuations and are continually touched by parishioners. Likewise, the paint darkens, mars, cracks and rubs off. The oklad or "curl", another term used, protects the icons from damaging effects, prolonging their life span.
As with icon painting, the materials used in making a decorative oklad have their own particular symbolism, which can tell a lot about the icon hidden underneath. For example, in the case of the auctioned icon, the main material, silver, symbolizes purity and virtue, deliverance from sins and salvation of the soul.