A riza (Russian: риза, "vestment," "robe"; Ukrainian: шати, shaty, "vestments") or oklad (оклад, "cover"), sometimes called a "revetment" in English, is a thin 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 (romanized: ependysi, "coating"). Icons are described as επάργυρες or επίχρυσες: silver-covered and gold-covered, respectively.
In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the purpose of a riza is to honor and venerate an icon, and ultimately the figure depicted on it, such as Jesus 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. Rizas are often placed over highly-venerated icons, such as the Panagia Ierosolymitissa icon in Jerusalem.
