Egyptian Style Basalt Torso of a Pharaoh

Preserved as the binding for a 'book of common prayers, and administration of the sacraments', in an embroidered stumpwork binding, the front cover showing Saint Anne, Mary and the Child, the back cover with a large floral design; the folio text with some handwritten amendations, title page printed in red and black. 2.75 kg, 38.7 cm



Emil Offenbacher and Cornelius J. Hauck, with his ex libris beneath an elaborate hand-coloured early armorial bookplate. Ex Cultured Oyster Books, 2007. Ex central London gallery. Accompanied by a previous catalogue page, listed as no.10.

Stumpwork is sometimes called 'raised work' and is an embroidery style in which the stitched figures are raised from the surface creating a three-dimensional effect. Historically, this type of embroidery, here probably made for an ecclesiastical vestment, was employed to decorated a variety of secular household artefacts and reached its greatest popularity by the second half of the 17th century A.D. Embroidered folio bindings are fairly uncommon.

Mary cradling the infant Christ, Greek text in the field with inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' over the Child's head; to the right a Greek inscription 'ΟΔΙΓΗΤΡΙΑ' (Odighitria); some restoration; a handwritten inscription and a cross to the reverse in Greek, reading 'Eufemia Papadimitriou - born on March, 30, 1932, on Thursday, at the 5.00 p.m.; Vasilios Papadimitriou - born on March, 15, 1934, on Thursday, at the 3.00 p.m.' 614 grams, 29 cm

The timber shows some old insect flight holes and we are advised that this piece has been recently treated with Permthrin, as a precaution.

Ex French gallery, Paris.

The icon belongs to the category of Virgin 'Galaktotrophousa' (Γαλακτοτροφουσα, meaning “the Milk-Giver”) celebrated on third July, and showing Mary breast-feeding Jesus. The ancient typology dates from the 6th century A.D. and resided in St. Sabbas’ lavra (a type of monastic community).

Retaining its handle and featuring a stylised face in relief, three raised oval medallions to the equator displaying musicians playing string instruments; repaired. 2.3 kg, 31 cm high



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.