Chinese Style Enamelled Silver-Coloured Metal Pendant Necklace

Rectangular in plan, the lime green silk field with two large roundels of red silk tied by a tassel in the rococo style, signature of Sultan Mahmud II contained within a mosque lamp, ten smaller roundels of alternating cream, orange and cream silk; large central rectangular panel and two bands above incorporating inscriptions in Thuluth, tughra of the Sultan framed by swags in lower part of field, ground richly decorated with floral swags and vegetal motifs, backed. 17.8 kg, 294 x 179 cm



Acquired before 2000. Private collection, UK. with Bonhams, London, 6 October 2008, no.216 (est. £80,000 - £120,000). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12741-235157.

The inscriptions comprise: in two horizontal cartouches: Qur'an, surah al-Ahzab (XXXIII, verses 45-46) inscription contained in mosque lamp; the signature of Sultan Mahmud Il in the two large roundels: the Shahadah in the six roundels above central rectangular panel; the names of the four Orthodox Caliphs, and the Imams Hasan and Husain in the central panel; Quran, surah al-Baqarah (Il), verse 255, ayat al-Kursi in the six side panels; the names of the companions of the Prophet in the lower part; the tughra of Sultan Mahmud.

Representing the Epiphany (the Manifestation) of Jesus Christ; Jesus standing in the river, wearing a small loincloth made from a knotted tallit, recognisable by its striped edge; the rocky landscape of the Jordan valley temporarily breaking open and river becoming a vast whirlpool; from the left bank John reaching towards Jesus and blessing his cousin; four angels look on holding towels; above, the dove of the Holy Spirit with three rays of light; above the inscription Η ΒΑΠΤHCΙC (the Baptism). 110 grams, 26 x 20 cm

925 silver

Ex David Miller, Hemel Hempstead, London, UK. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

The Gospel of Mark describes the voice of God announcing: ‘Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased’ (Mark 1: 11). This is the theoretical moment after which Jesus becomes known as Christ and John becomes known as the Baptist.

With lateral spurs and stepped shoulders, the bezel an octofoil with raised hexafoil motif and pellets. 11.08 grams, 25.60 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.