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LOT 0369
Ethiopian Processional Cross
15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
10.2 in. (14.8 in.) (55 grams, 26 cm (37.5 cm including stand)).
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.
ProvenanceAcquired on the London art market, 2006.
UK private collection.
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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Post Medieval Wooden Painted Head of St John
Late 16th century A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
A wooden head mounted on a waisted octagonal plinth base, the head modelled naturalistically in the round and retaining extensive areas of polychrome detailing, pigmentation and gilding. 4.2 kg total, 38 cm high including stand
Ex private Dutch collection. English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11673-199836.
The timber shows some old insect flight holes and we are advised that this piece has been recently treated with Permethrin, as a precaution. -
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Massive Painted Oak Framed Slate Altar Screen
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
A magnificent and superb quality Victorian Gothic revival painted altar or reredos panel, as exemplified by the works and designs of Augustus Pugin, on Welsh slate depicting a large golden cross with latticed arms and squared quatrefoil terminals showing the emblems and names of the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; the cross set over a circle enclosing a quatrefoil background with the main discus showing a white cross trefoil on a red expanding cross against a green background with the Christogram letters 'IHS' entwined for Jesus Christ; the design set against a dark blue field ornamented with 48 golden radiant six-pointed stars; complete with the original carved oak frame together with the carved oak projecting base plinth shelf with quatrefoil perforations and another Christogram 'IHS' within a blue oval to the central projection. 73 kg total, 134.5 cm base and 159 cm high
Fine condition.
Collection formed in the 2000s. Property of an East Anglia gentleman.
From the 4th century A.D., the vision of Ezekiel and John's Apocalypse, assigned the lion, the angel, the eagle and the ox a stable place in the iconography of the tetramorph to represent the evangelist Mark (lion) next to the calf (Luke), the angel (Matthew) and the eagle (John). They are, in Christian iconography and theology, the four winged cherubs singing the triumphal hymn, exclaiming, proclaiming, and saying: 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth'. The oldest representations date back to the 5th century A.D., and are found in the mosaics of the baptistry of Naples and in the apse of S. Prudenziana in Rome. The tetramorph was a favourite subject in 12th century ecclesiastic art and its use has continued to the present day. -
Stuart Period Silver Cross Pendant
Circa 17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
A silver pendant formed as a cross bottony with integral suspension loop, low-relief facing Corpus Christi within a hatched border. 6.4 grams, 44 mm
Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.
