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LOT 0371
Ethiopian Maskal of Kernebege Type Hand Cross with Inscription
17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
16 1/1 in. (20 in. including stand) (600 grams, 43 cm high (50.7 cm high including stand)).
A bifacial wooden cross comprising intertwined elements with trefoil finials, resting on a tall stem decorated with wavy lines enclosed within a geometric frame, the stem resting on a tabula with an inscription on the front and vegetal decorative element on the back, rhomboidal termination with inscribed cross on both sides; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceAcquired from Owen Hargreaves, 2003.
UK private collection.
Cf. Korabiewicz, W., The Ethiopian cross, Addis Ababa, 1973, fig.66.
FootnotesThe Ethiopian manual cross is usually divided in three parts: the cross at the top; the handle; and a square element, the tablet, at the base. It is not easy to define the origin of the cross-borne tablets. There are three suppositions as to what they signify: according to one, the tablet represents the earth with its four corners. According to the second one, the tablet represents Adam's grave on Calvary. The third one is that it represents the Tabot, the highest relic of Ethiopia, the Ark of the Covenant. The cross belongs to the Kernebege (Horns of Ram) group, where the tips of the cross are reminiscent of ram's horns or trefoils. Inscriptions are only very rarely found on wooden, manual crosses like this maskal. They usually give the name of the owner or donor.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0371
Ethiopian Maskal of Kernebege Type Hand Cross with Inscription
Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
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Post Medieval Marble Bust of a Female
Rome, 18th century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
A naturalistic stone bust of a female figure modelled facing with her head turned right and upwards, her garment draped so as to reveal one of her breasts; on a tiered circular base. 24.4 kg total, 49.5 cm high including stand
English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11682-199821 -
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500
A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border. 15.65 grams, 27.14 mm overall, 22.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)
Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11664-197587.
Signet rings were jewellery items serving practical functions, and were pressed into hot wax to seal letters and packets. Personal seals or secreta acted as a legal safeguard, since they were used to witness wills, loans, commercial, personal and other documents. Such rings were often engraved with a coat of arms, initials, merchant's mark or some other personal symbol. Painted portraits of this period portray the wearer with the signet ring on the thumb or forefinger, allowing for practical use. Skulls on rings were potent symbols of mortality. 'Memento mori' or 'remember that you must die' imagery served as a reminder to the Christian of the need to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment. -
Roman Style Gold Ring with Portrait Gemstone
20th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with scrolled brackets to the shoulders. ellipsoid plaque with beaded wire rim, cell with inset chalcedony insert, intaglio image of a standing figure with a sword on his belt. 7.65 grams, 30.90 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Acquired on the French art market. Ex Swiss collection. English private collection.
