Chinese Archaic Style Bronze Vessel

Comprising seven stamp seals, two cylinder seals, a stone amuletic pendant, a cabochon with human face, and a hexagonal insert with profile bust. 141 grams total, 19-36 cm



From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Depicting Christ Pantocrator and Saint John on his side, hand of Mary visible on the left; the Lord of the Universe represented seated upon a cushioned throne, the right hand in blessing gesture, the left hand holding a Gospel decorated with precious stones; wearing a blue chlamys and red sticharion; Saint John in proskynesis in front of Christ, dressed in a brown vestis talaris; the head of both surrounded by a red halo; later wire for hanging to the reverse with an information sheet in German. 1.8 kg, 57 cm



Ex Hargesheimen Auction House, Dusseldorf, Germany. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The icon represents a middle section from a Deesis of a church iconostasis. Although preserved as a fragment, it is designed in the high style of the late 16th century.

In late 15th century style, Mary ascending to Heaven in the foreground with her arms crossed, dressed in a white and blue garment, wrapped in a red cloak; surrounded by four angels in white embroidered robes, covered by red, green and gold mantles; on the background the grave of Mary surrounded by vegetal ornaments; inscription at the bottom in medieval Flemish ‘DE HEMELVAART VAN MARIA’ (the Assumption of Mary) in uncial letters; some restoration. 4.5 kg, 65 x 53.5 cm

Some restoration.

From a war-damaged church in Belgium. Ex property of a late Northumberland collector. From a private collection, Derbyshire, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven is a dogma of faith of the Roman Catholic Church, according to which Mary at the end of her earthly life went to Heaven in body and soul. According to the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Assumption of Mary was preceded by a deep sleep (Dormitio Virginis): but the Dormition of Mary is not the object of dogma, while her glorification in body and soul is an integral part of the faith of the Catholic Church.