Early Georgian Gold Enamelled Memento Mori Skeleton Ring for 'S N'

A bifacial wooden Qäqwami Mäsqäl processional cross, three-lobed extremities on three sides, decorated with geometric motifs representing crosses of different types, supported by a lanceolate shaft with two round openwork openings; socketted shaft with vertical grooves and fitted with a double horizontal groove; inscriptions on two of the lobed sides of the cross; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 600 grams, 42 cm high (49cm high including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 2003. UK private collection.

The large wooden crosses are often used by ddbtdras, who are unordained members of the Orthodox Ethiopian clergy, for their liturgical dance. In the countryside, one or two of these crosses are kept on the church window-sills close to the area where the dance is performed, instead of being kept in the church storehouse. Sometimes they are mounted upon a shaft and worn in procession. The characteristic feature of a processional cross is a socketted shaft which serves for mounting them on a strong pole known as masor or handle. Although technically the shaft serves to support the cross, according to the interpretation of Ethiopian church scholars, its real function is to protect the cross from being touched.

A set of four framed and glazed historical prints: William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, engraved by W. Holl., published London, 1833, by Harding & Lepard; Horation, First Lord Walpole, engraved by W. Holl., published London, 1835, by Harding & Lepard; Henry Spencer, First Earl of Sunderland, engraved by H. Robinson, published London, 1832, by Harding & Lepard; Walter, First Lord Aston, engraved by W.T. Mote, published London, 1832, by Harding & Lepard. 2.35 kg total, 32.5 x 24.5 cm each

Fair to fine condition.

Ex property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

A tempera on wood icon depicting the Mother of God supporting the Child with her left forearm, his right hand raised and making the sign of blessing, left hand holding a scroll; the Virgin wearing a red maphorion with a light green veil and a blue chiton; both figures nimbate, the haloes tooled with foliate designs, gilt background with a red and white arch above. 520 grams, 27.5 x 21.5 cm

The lighter areas of the flesh further highlighted with fine white brushstrokes. The gilding of the background lost, minor losses, minimally restored

Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The layout of the composition clearly indicates the icon's close link with Hodegetria type, the most typical iconography of the Mother of God in Byzantium since the 10th century. However, the type also recalls the iconography of the Virgin Psychosostria, i.e. 'Health of Souls'.