Riza

A riza (Russian: риза, "robe") or oklad (оклад, "covered"), sometimes called a "revetment" in English, is a metal cover protecting an icon. It is usually made of gilt or silvered metal with repoussé work and is pierced to expose elements of the underlying painting. It is sometimes enameled, filigreed, or set with artificial, semi-precious or even precious stones and pearls. Although the practice of using rizas originated in Byzantine art, the Russian term is often applied to Greek icons; in Greek the term is επένδυση ("coating"). Icons are described as επάργυρες or επίχρυσες: silver-covered and gold-covered, respectively.

The purpose of a riza is to honour and venerate an icon, and ultimately the figure depicted on it, such as Christ or a saint. Because candles and lampadas (oil lamps) are burned in front of icons, and incense is used during services, icons can become darkened over time. The riza helps protect the icon.

A riza is designed specifically for the icon it is to cover. It leaves open spaces where the face, hands, and feet of the icon's subject can be seen. The haloes on rizas are often more elaborate than on the original icons. Rizas for icons of the Theotokos (Mother of God) often have a crown on them. The robes worn by the subjects often are adorned with pearls or jewels. Usually a riza covers the entire surface of the icon except for the face and hands. Especially in older examples, the riza may cover only the halo of the subject and is then called a venets. Sometimes the riza includes a stylized torc or gorget (neck ring), called a tsata in Russian.

Rize

Rize is the capital city of Rize Province in the eastern part of the Black Sea Region of Turkey.

Etymology

The name comes from Greek ριζα (riza) or Ριζαίον (Rizaion), meaning "mountain slopes". In modern times, its name in Greek was usually Ριζούντα (Rizounta). Its Latin forms are Rhizus and Rhizaeum, the latter of which is used in the Catholic Church's list of titular sees as the name of bishopric of the town, which was once part of the late Roman province of Pontus Polemoniacus). In the Ottoman period, it was called Rize (ريزه). The Armenian name is Rize (Ռիզե), the Georgian name is Rize (რიზე), Laz name is Rizini (რიზინი)

History

The first written mention of Rize is made by Arrian in a work named Periplus (Ship's Voyage). Dated at 132-131 B.C., the work records how its author, the governor of Cappadocia, made an inspection tour of the Eastern Black Sea territories that were part of his jurisdiction, first visiting the Roman Empire's Eastern Anatolian frontier garrisons before pushing on to the Black Sea coast in the Trabzon (Trebizond) region. Note: Arrian only mentions the River Rhizius, not any settlement by that name. It is quoted as being to the east of the river Ophis after the rivers Psychrus and Calus. Also, the Periplus or Voyage Round the Euxine Sea is a letter written to Emperor Caesar Adrian Augustus, i.e., during the Common Era and not before Christ, so it may have been written more towards 131-132 AD or CE. [ARRIAN'S VOYAGE ROUND EUXINE SEA TRANSLATED AND ACCOMPANIED WITH A GEOGRAPHICAL DISSERTATION,AND MAPS TO WHICH ARE ADDED THREE DISCOURSES, I. On the Trade to the East Indies by means of the Euxine Sea. II. On the Distance which the Ships of Antiquity usually sailed in twenty-four Hours. III. On the Measure of the Olympic Stadium. OXFORD: SOLD BY J. COOKE; AND BY MESSRS. CADELL AND DAVIESr STRAND, LONDON. 1805.

Riza (disambiguation)

Riza may refer to: