Ethiopian Vellum Manuscript of Talismanic Texts

Portable shrine with geometric ornament and crosses to the outer face, opening doors to reveal a diptych with image of Mary Theotokos and Child, escorted by angels Gabriel and Michael with drawn swords, on the left; on the right, Abune Gabra Manfus Qeddus with hands raised, nimbate figures of Takla Haymanot and Ewostatewos with yellow and blue garments on the right; on the lower right corner Saint George (Bet Gorgis) killing the dragon. 453 grams, 21.8 x 19 cm



Sir Alistair McAlpine, circa 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

In the Ethiopian icons, Gabra Manfas Qeddus (Servant of the Holy Spirit) the famous hermit whose sanctity tamed the wild beasts, is often represented. The exterior faces of these diptych panels, like the smaller bilateral diptychs of the 17th century, were carved with centralised cross designs that reflects the carved designs of contemporary wooden altar tablets.

Comprising a wide D-shaped 14 carat yellow gold hoop expanding at the shoulders, pelletted band above a triangle to each shoulder, one with '32' and the other with Hebrew letter 'yod'; openwork platinum bezel formed as a double-headed eagle gripping a perch and with its wings spread, the body set with a one carat brilliant cut diamond (small chip); stamped to the inner face '14 KT PLAT'. 14.67 grams, 25.80 mm overall, 20.21 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired on the UK art market. Ex Property of a County Durham collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12490-230251. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

There is no officially mandated design for 32nd degree Scottish Rite rings beyond the double-headed eagle, hence they can vary greatly in appearance. Common symbols include the number 32, triangles, the Hebrew letter yod (as in this example), and the square and compasses. Since the 32nd degree ring is a reflection of its owner's Masonic journey, the rings can sometimes also contain symbols from other Masonic orders.

Comprising a parcel-gilt raised discoid base with fluted hexafoil developing to a central column with braided collar and openwork crown socket; inset portion of natural coral branch; figure of St Sebastian modelled in the round with three arrows piercing his shoulders and chest and the stub of a fourth in his shin, portrayed with gilt loincloth and centre-parted hair, braided wire bonds to the left wrist and one ankle' old collector's numbers 'V.590.3H1 7' and '18688' to underside. 190 grams, 12.4 cm



F.K.A. Huelsmann, Hamburg. with Christie's, Geneva, 13 May 1981, no.7. Private collection, South Germany. with Hargesheimer & Gunther, 22 September 2017, no.1307. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12507-230673. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

This lot will require a CITES licence when exported outside the UK.