Loading, please wait...
LOT 1907
Ethiopian Magic Scroll with Archangel Michael
EARLY 19TH CENTURY A.D.
13 5/8 in. (32 grams, 35 cm).
Comprising a folded length of thin leather or vellum, with lines of Ge'ez text in black and red ink, coloured figural illuminations at the top depicting the winged Archangel Michael brandishing a sword, wearing a richly decorated lembd as a covering cloak. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceStephen Keynes collection (1927-2017).
Ex central London gallery.
See Heldman, M., Munro-Hay Stuart, C., African Zion, The sacred art of Ethiopia, Yale University Press, 1993, pp.65, 72.
FootnotesEthiopian phylacteries or parchment scrolls combined apotropaic prayers and images. These ‘magic scrolls’ utilise only a few designs that derive from Christian imagery, namely the holy rider, the sword-bearing angel Michael, and the cross. Here the text asks intervention and protection from Saint Michael, commander of the heavenly Host. Interestingly, the accoutrement of the Angel reflects that of the military Ethiopian elite in 19th century A.D.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Copper-Alloy Finds Group
20th century A.D. and earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £33
Comprising: a statue base; musket ball tongues; teeth; knives; weapons and tools; buckles; musket balls; cutlery, including a pewter spoon; coins; decorative strap ends; Celtic axehead, together with other miscellaneous items. 2.8 kg total, 1-14.5 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Post Medieval Gold Memorial Ring with Diamond
Late 19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Featuring openwork shoulders and rectangular bezel set with a platinum-mounted diamond against a black background; stamped '18 ct & pt' to reverse. 3.35 grams, 19.05 mm overall, 14.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Post Medieval Silver Penannular Brooch Group
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising: one with an openwork D-shaped plaque, tendril and leaf detail with inset cloisons of ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and glass, penannular hoop with disc terminals, stamped 'ɅΦɅ' and other marks to the ring and shank; one with openwork triangular plaque with scrolled tendrils and central ropework star, pierced lobe finial, penannular hoop with lobe terminals, stamped lozenge to the lobe finial and others to the hoop. 20.8 grams total, 57-80 mm
Acquired 1970s. Ex property of an Essex, UK, collector.
The stones set in the D-shaped plaque are a mixture of gem cuts from several time periods, the earliest being Tudor. It is likely that they are the silversmith's accumulation from several pieces of older jewellery broken down for their metal and stones.
