Ethiopian Magic Scroll

Comprising spoon bowls of various types, including examples with decoration, together with a number of stems. 2.7 kg total, 6.5-14.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Composed of a carinated outer face and inscription to interior in cursive script: 'Hearts content cannot repent' followed by a maker's stamp formed as florid a letter 'I' within a rectangular cartouche. 6.54 grams, 21.46 mm overall, 17.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

In the medieval period many rings bore posy inscriptions in Latin or French, the languages frequently spoken by the affluent elites. Later, inscriptions in English became more usual, although the lack of standardisation in spelling might surprise the modern reader. The inscription is generally found on the interior of the ring, hidden to everyone except the wearer and most of the sentimental mottoes were taken from the popular literature of the time. In fact, love inscriptions often repeat each other, which suggests that goldsmiths used stock phrases. In the later 16th century, ‘posy’ specifically meant a short inscription. A posy is described in contemporary literature as a short ‘epigram’ of less than one verse. George Puttenham (1589) explained that these phrases were not only inscribed on finger rings, but also applied to arms and trenchers. The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the 16th century onwards, and continued until the late 18th century. Sources suggest that rings could be acquired ready- engraved, or alternatively engraved sometime after their initial production, by a hand other than the goldsmith’s. Joan Evans assumed that posy rings were principally used by/between lovers and distinguished four contexts for the giving of posy rings by one lover to another: betrothals, weddings, St Valentine’s Day and occasions of mourning. Samuel Pepys’ diary makes clear that posy rings might also mark the marriage of a family member, when bearers could even commission their own rings and chose their own mottoes from books. The rings could also function as tokens of friendship or loyalty.

Seated on a footed plinth, wearing a robe which exposes his left breast, right leg crossed over the left, holding a goblet in his left hand and a bunch of grapes in his right, naturalistic facial features. 741 grams, 11.3 cm high

Fine condition.

Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Previously with Mansour Gallery, London W1. Property of a North West London gentleman.