Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace

A bifacial wooden cross comprising intertwined elements with trefoil finials, resting on a tall stem decorated with wavy lines enclosed within a geometric frame, the stem resting on a tabula with an inscription on the front and vegetal decorative element on the back, rhomboidal termination with inscribed cross on both sides; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 600 grams, 43 cm high (50.7 cm high including stand)



Acquired from Owen Hargreaves, 2003. UK private collection.

The Ethiopian manual cross is usually divided in three parts: the cross at the top; the handle; and a square element, the tablet, at the base. It is not easy to define the origin of the cross-borne tablets. There are three suppositions as to what they signify: according to one, the tablet represents the earth with its four corners. According to the second one, the tablet represents Adam's grave on Calvary. The third one is that it represents the Tabot, the highest relic of Ethiopia, the Ark of the Covenant. The cross belongs to the Kernebege (Horns of Ram) group, where the tips of the cross are reminiscent of ram's horns or trefoils. Inscriptions are only very rarely found on wooden, manual crosses like this maskal. They usually give the name of the owner or donor.

A copper-alloy ring with expanding arms, central crown in relief within a square border, scalloping around, channels to the shoulders. 3.91 grams, 19.93 mm overall, 16.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.

A group of two lapis lazuli cameos, one depicting the bust of Pope Alexander VII, the other a coat of arms, each held in a silver frame composed of elaborate filigree foliage and with suspension loop. 677 grams total, 17-28.5 cm



English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11683-199803.