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LOT 0377
Ethiopian Engraved Bronze Cross with Figures of the Holy Fathers
CIRCA 1450-1480 A.D.
12 in. (404 grams, 30.5 cm).
A bifacial Yämäṩor Mäsqäl processional cross finial comprising an openwork flat-section panel surmounted by a cross, with interlaced tendril design engraved with four seated saints on both faces in low-relief; tapering tubular socket with circumferential ribbing, lateral angled crosses. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx central London gallery.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Chojnacki, S., Major Themes in Ethiopian Painting, indigenous developments, the influence of foreign models and their adaptation, from the 13th to the 19th century, Wiesbaden, 1983, figs. 72-73; Chojnacki, S., Ethiopian Crosses, a Cultural History and Chronology, Milano, 2006, fig.83, for similar processional crosses.
FootnotesIn 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0377
Ethiopian Engraved Bronze Cross with Figures of the Holy Fathers
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
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James II Engraved Gold Memento Mori Skull Ring
Dated 1685 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
With cartouche to the outer face bearing stylised skull; inner face engraved 'J=D = obt = 1 = 1 = Aug = 85' and maker's mark 'I.C' in a scalloped panel. 3.46 grams, 18.76 mm overall, 16.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Medieval and Later Ball Button Group
15th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A large quantity of mainly rounded buttons, some with nipples and some with flat base. 350 grams total, 9-22 mm
Found on various UK sites since 1974. Property of an Essex collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Russian Wooden Icon with Christ Pantocrator with Silver Cover
Dated 1889 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Showing Christ Pantocrator (Lord of the Universe) making a blessing gesture with the right hand, the left hand holding the gospel, covered with an elaborate silver oklad marked 84, with repoussé and chased decoration, incised Cyrillic inscription on the Gospel, and on the bottom an incised Cyrillic inscription 'Господь Вседержитель'= Lord Almighty. 498 grams, 22.5 x 18 cm
Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This fine Russian religious work depicts Christ Pantocrator, ‘Almighty’ or ‘All Powerful’. It is a compound word formed from the Greek words for ‘all’ and the noun ‘strength’ (kratos). In Orthodox Christianity, his icon is one of the most common religious images. The 'oklad', or protective covering of the icon, was made from silver, often gilt, sometimes with cloisonné enamel decorations, and always decorated with geometric floral patterns. The style of Christ recalls the work of Ivan Semenovich Gubkin, an embosser active in Russia at the beginning of 20th century.
