Ariza (Russian: риза, "vestment," "robe";Ukrainian: шати,shaty, "vestments") oroklad (оклад, "cover"), sometimes called a "revetment" in English,[1] is a thin metal cover protecting anicon.[2][3] It is usually made ofgilt or silvered metal withrepoussé 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 usingrizas originated inByzantine art, the Russian term is often applied to Greek icons; inGreek, the term isεπένδυση (romanized:ependysi, "coating"). Icons are described asεπάργυρες orεπίχρυσες: silver-covered and gold-covered, respectively.
InEastern Orthodox Christianity, the purpose of a riza is to honor andvenerate an icon, and ultimately the figure depicted on it, such asJesus Christ or asaint.[4] Becausecandles andlampadas (oil lamps) are burned in front of icons, andincense is used during services, icons can become darkened over time. The riza helps protect the icon.[5] Rizas are often placed over highly-venerated icons, such as thePanagia Ierosolymitissa icon inJerusalem.
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.[6] Thehalos on rizas are often more elaborate than on the original icons. Rizas for icons of theTheotokos (Mother of God) often have acrown on them. The robes worn by the subjects are often 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 stylizedtorc orgorget (neck ring), called atsata in Russian.
Some icons, especially late Byzantine ones, were designed with a riza from their first painting. Only the areas not covered by the riza were painted.[7]
