Description

A McHarp cast stone Irish Celtic cross based on the west face of the North Cross at Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny, Ireland.

A tag accompanies the cross: "This 7.5 foot high granite cross is found in the graveyard of the parish church (formerly the Cistercian Duiske Abbey) in Graiguenamanagh, Ireland. It was originally from Ballyogan, Ireland. At the top of the cross is The Annunciation, with the Virgin seated on the right being approached from the left by an angel. On the bottom of the cross is The Visitation, with the Virgin Mary embracing Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, in the presence of a servant. This is the only instance of these two scenes on Irish crosses. The S-spirals running down the middle of the cross symbolize the entire course of the year. Spring, the time of birth, through Winter, the time of death. It is therefore the image of life and death, the image of everything rhythmical, of becoming and passing away."

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.

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.

8.5 inches high by 3 inches wide. Lovely weight and feel (somewhere between ceramic and stone).

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

Graiguenamanagh is pronounced "greg-uh-na-man-ah"