Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli and Other Bead Necklace String

Depicting Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas in front of the Solovetsky Monastery, both nimbate and dressed in the Abbot’s garments, holding the model of the monastery offered to God, represented in the sky as a dove upon a cloud; arabesque frame; inscriptions in Old Slavonic with the names of the saints. 108 grams, 88 mm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

Saints Zosima and Sabbas or Sabbatius were highly venerated Orthodox saints, founders of the Solovetsky Monastery, a fortified monastery located in the White Sea in Northern Russia. This double portrait shows Zosima and Sabbas holding up a model of their religious institution, which resembles a small medieval city. Solovetsky Monastery obtained big investments from the city of Novgorod and established itself as one of the richest monasteries in Russia.

Janiform, carved with the head of Christ to one side and to the other a skull, from a Rosary; with a turned bronze display stand. 100 grams total, 48 mm includin stand



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Originally part of a rosary; the head of Christ acting as an object of personal devotion, the skull as a reminder of his great sacrifice for our sins and of our own mortality. The gentle wear and warm patination are a testament to the years of devoted veneration by its previous owners.

Comprising: one with discoid bezel, notched collar, inset glass cabochon; one with rosette cell and blue glass cabochon. 5.07 grams total, 22 mm each



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.