Elizabethan Gold Cross Pendant

A free-standing Grand Tour statuette of the goddess Demeter, carved from brilliant blue lapis lazuli; modelled in the round standing on an integral polygonal base, wearing a floor-length peplos and mantle, holding a cornucopia. 14.4 grams, 55 mm

Fine condition, right arm lost in antiquity.

Private UK collection. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.

A pewter finger ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop supporting a cushion-shaped bezel, decorated with three graduated arms at each shoulder terminating in shallow recessed circles, additional decorative lobes to the upper and lower edges and four clusters of claws holding a clear rectangular glass inlay. 4.02 grams, 26.59 mm overall, 19.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)



Found Cambridgeshire in the 1990s.

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.