Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer Filigree Icon

The Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer Filigree Icon is a hand-painted icon of Saint Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer, one of the holy women whose names are forever connected with the Gospel witness to the Resurrection of Christ. This icon unites fine tempera painting with the traditional jewelry art of filigree, creating a work that is both a prayer image and a rare piece of church craftsmanship.

Saint Joanna is shown full-length, holding a small vessel of fragrant myrrh close to her heart. The icon is painted in an academic style against a peaceful landscape with water, sandy shores, blue sky, and light clouds. Around the painted image is an openwork filigree frame with pearl-like decoration, and above the saint is an applied pierced filigree halo.

This icon is made to order and is a work of exceptional complexity. The price and completion time are discussed individually; production usually takes from 2 months, depending on the workload of the icon painter and the filigree master.

Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer Filigree Icon

Saint Joanna belongs to the holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, the faithful women who did not abandon Christ in the days of His Passion. They remained close to Him in sorrow and came early to the tomb with fragrant myrrh, intending to anoint His body according to the burial custom.

On this icon, Joanna holds a terracotta vessel of myrrh. This vessel is not a decorative accessory, but the central symbol of her Gospel service: love, fidelity, courage, and reverence for the Lord. She did not yet know that Christ had risen, but she came in love, and for that love the Myrrh-Bearing Women became the first witnesses of the Resurrection.

The calm landscape behind her suggests the early morning of Pascha. The quiet water, open sky, and light clouds give the icon a sense of stillness before the announcement of joy. This is why the blue background is appropriate here: it supports the Gospel atmosphere of the scene and creates a luminous contrast with the filigree halo.

Painting and Composition

The face of Saint Joanna is painted in a soft academic manner. The expression is quiet, reverent, and inwardly gathered. It carries both hidden sorrow and the nearness of the unspeakable joy that will soon be revealed at the empty tomb.

Her clothing is traditional and restrained. A long red tunic points to warm love for God, while the heavy blue-green mantle gives the figure depth and solemnity. Her head is covered with a light veil, a sign of feminine humility and purity.

The full-length composition gives the icon a dignified vertical movement. It is especially well suited to the 18×31 cm (7.1×12.2 in) format, where the figure, vessel, landscape, filigree frame, and halo can all be read clearly.

Filigree Frame and Pearl-Like Decoration

The defining feature of this icon is its openwork filigree decoration. Instead of ordinary painted borders, the icon is framed by a delicate metal lace made from fine twisted silver-colored wire. The master bends, shapes, and joins the wire by hand to create a patterned frame around the painted image.

The same filigree technique is used for the applied pierced halo above the head of Saint Joanna. Through the openwork metal, the blue sky of the painted background remains visible, giving the image a rare lightness and airiness.

Pearl-like inserts are placed within the filigree ornament. In Christian symbolism, pearls can recall purity of soul, tears of repentance, holiness, and the Kingdom of Heaven. Here they also emphasize the noble and gift-worthy character of the icon.

Life of Saint Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer

Saint Joanna is mentioned in the Gospel according to Luke. She was the wife of Chuza, the steward of King Herod Antipas. Although she belonged to a wealthy and influential household, her soul sought truth, and she became one of the women who followed Christ and served Him from their means.

According to tradition, Joanna received healing through Christ’s mercy and came to believe in Him with her whole heart. She left behind the empty security of court life and joined the women who supported the Savior and His apostles during His earthly ministry.

Her greatest witness was fidelity. When many were afraid and scattered during the Passion of Christ, the women remained near the Cross. Early on the first day of the week, Joanna and the other Myrrh-Bearing Women went to the tomb with fragrant myrrh. There they found the stone rolled away and heard the angelic proclamation of the Resurrection.

What People Pray for Before Saint Joanna

Saint Joanna is venerated as an example of devotion, courage, and quiet service. Orthodox Christians pray before her icon for strengthening of faith, spiritual steadiness, and faithfulness to Christ during difficult times.

She is also asked for protection from slander and false accusations, especially when a person suffers for faith or conscience in family, work, or society. Women turn to her in times of sorrow, family conflict, and heavy life trials, asking for courage, purity of heart, and peace.

Because Joanna was among the Myrrh-Bearing Women, her icon is also connected with faithful service that may remain hidden from the world but is precious before God. It is a suitable image for prayer about family well-being, steadfast love, and quiet care for others.

An Exclusive Named Icon

The Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer Filigree Icon is especially meaningful as a named icon for a woman baptized with the name Joanna. In different local traditions, related everyday names may include Joanna, Ioanna, Jeanne, Yana, or Ivanna.

The icon is appropriate for baptism, a name day, birthday, anniversary, or as a solemn family gift. Because of the filigree frame, pearl-like inserts, and complex handwork, it has the character of an heirloom icon that can be preserved and passed down in a family.

It is also a beautiful gift for a mother, wife, godmother, or woman whose life is marked by quiet fidelity, care, and service to others.

Icon Characteristics and Order Details

Icon name	Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer Filigree Icon
Saint	Saint Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer
Iconographic type	Full-length saint with vessel of myrrh, painted against a landscape
Painting style	Academic, painterly Orthodox icon style
Painting materials	Wooden board, chalk gesso, mineral tempera, protective finish
Decoration	Applied openwork filigree frame and pierced filigree halo
Additional decoration	Pearl-like inserts
Size	18×31 cm (7.1×12.2 in)
Order terms	Price and completion time are discussed individually; production usually starts from 2 months

Care and Protection

A kiot is strongly recommended for this icon. Filigree is delicate openwork metal decoration, and dust can collect in the small spaces of the pattern. A glazed kiot protects both the painted icon and the filigree frame from dust, soot, humidity changes, and accidental contact.

The filigree frame should not be cleaned with a wet cloth. Moisture can damage both the metalwork and the painted surface. Dust should be removed only with a soft dry brush, without pressure and without chemical cleaners.

Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after you receive and approve the icon.

Questions and Answers

Who were the Myrrh-Bearing Women?

The Myrrh-Bearing Women followed Christ during His earthly ministry and came to His tomb early on Sunday morning with fragrant myrrh. They were the first to hear the news of the Resurrection.

What does Saint Joanna hold in her hands?

She holds an alabaster vessel for myrrh, the precious fragrant oil that the Myrrh-Bearing Women brought to anoint the body of Christ.

What is filigree on an icon?

Filigree is a jewelry technique using fine metal wire, often twisted or shaped into openwork patterns. On this icon the frame and halo are made in filigree.

What are the white beads on the frame?

They are pearl-like decorative inserts. In Orthodox visual language, pearls can recall purity, tears of repentance, holiness, and the Kingdom of Heaven.

Whose patron saint is Joanna the Myrrh-Bearer?

She is a heavenly patroness of women baptized with the name Joanna. In everyday use, related names may include Joanna, Ioanna, Jeanne, Yana, or Ivanna, depending on local tradition.

Why does this icon cost more than ordinary hand-painted icons?

The price is individual because the icon combines hand-painted work with labor-intensive filigree jewelry work. The metal lace is bent, shaped, and assembled by hand.

Can the filigree frame be cleaned with a wet cloth?

No. Moisture can damage both the metalwork and the painted icon. Dust should be removed only with a soft dry brush.

Is a kiot required for this filigree icon?

Yes. A kiot is strongly recommended for filigree icons because the openwork metal lace is difficult to clean and should be protected from dust, soot, and humidity.

Why is the background blue rather than gold?

The icon is painted in an academic style with a peaceful landscape, sky, and water. The blue background also shows through the pierced filigree halo, giving the image lightness.

How long does it take to make this icon?

The usual production time starts from 2 months. The exact timing depends on the current workload of both the icon painter and the filigree master.