Egyptian Style Swivel Ring with Scarab

Painted on a wooden board with mounting slots and panels to the reverse, gessoed surface with painting of the Virgin of Kazan, head of Mary with gilded nimbus and russet-coloured veil, standing infant Jesus similarly nimbate with right hand raised in the pax gesture; gilt monograms to the upper corners and title to the lower left corner. 968 grams, 31 cm high

Fine condition.

Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The original icon, also known as the Theotokos of Kazan, is thought to have originated in Constantinople in the 13th century before it was taken to Russia. When the Turks took over Kazan in 1438, the icon was most probably hidden to keep it safe. Ivan the Terrible liberated Kazan in 1552, and the town was destroyed by fire in 1579, after which the icon was found and brought to the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was subsequently stolen in 1904 and never found again, though there are many copies in existence.

Comprising a D-section hoop with expanding, fluted shoulders, oval bezel bearing arms, two rearing lions flanking a crowned shield bearing an image of a bird standing on a flower. 4.95 grams, 20.86 mm overall, 17.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Group of cornerless cube and other graduated beads. 68 grams, 49.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.