Celtic Brasses
The designs found on Celtic crosses date back to carvings found in
The designs found on Celtic crosses date back to carvings found in
caves and on stone markers in the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age.
When
Christianity arrived on the British Isles these designs
were adapted to make
the beautiful Celtic crosses so popular today.
The Melrose cross found in Scotland is shown here done in 2
colors.
The ring of the cross contains elaborate knotwork of unbroken line.
The centre design shows the classic Pictish loop shown in
the Monymusk
Reliquary , the Book of Kell, and carvings in Ireland.
The St. Andrews - Tree of Life cross is found in a graveyard that
surrounds the cathedral ruins in St Andrews, Scotland.
The "tree of life" design created by the vines and
leaves was
a late addition which was incorporated into the Celtic cross
only after Christianity.
This
design can be found in Waterford County, Ireland,
the
intricate knotwork may have been influenced by a Brigid's cross.
Rubbings
of Celtic designs are very decorative as well as
meaningful.
Groupings can create a dramatic wall display.
These and many other rubbings are
available at
Wachs Brass Rubbing Center
