Edwardian Ring with Date

A bifacial bronze Yämäṩor Mäsqäl processional cross finial with later replaced socket, flanking bird motifs and dense block of tendrils and wheels with seven cross-shaped finials, central panel with Virgin Mary, Holy Child and angels to the front, saints and Evangelists to the back. 55 grams, 26 cm (37.5 cm including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 2006. UK private collection.

In contrast with the hand cross that is fitted with a grip, the processional cross has a hollow shaft into which the pole supporting the cross is inserted, although the use of both is interconnected in the liturgy and ceremonial aspects of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In Amharic it received the name of yämäṩor mäsqäl or "cross to [carry] on a pole", the term mäṩor also meaning a wooden handle. Processional crosses are used on "every qaddase day" occasions - an expression meaning whenever the liturgy is performed. This includes displaying the cross during the reading of the Gospels and other sacred texts, as well as holding it up to be viewed at the end of the service for the final blessing.

A bronze discoid seal matrix with hinged flap to the reverse pierced near the edge; incuse heraldic design comprising a heater shield, helmet with foliage mantle and oak-tree crest; the shield with three fields (i) an empty tomb with cross potent emerging from the centre (ii) three cinquefoils (iii) two fish addorsed; concentric multilinear borders with legend in block capitals '· SEEL · IEAN · DV · BVISSON · 1617' (seal of Jean du Buisson) and scroll detail to the ends. 26.2 grams, 36 mm



The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.5918. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. Accompanied by a copy of the illustrated collection notes.

Jean du Buisson, baron of Beauteville, married Jeanne de Lavenson de la Loubière in 1617 and died in 1634.

A copper-alloy ring composed of a slightly misshapen rectangular-section hoop and octagonal bezel set with a polished carnelian intaglio, engraved with an armorial design composed of a shield surmounted by a helm and bird facing right; remains of polychrome enamelled cells of foliate and geometric forms. 6.87 grams, 26.26 mm overall, 19.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Found Cambridgeshire in the 1990s.