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LOT 0376
Ethiopian Vellum Manuscript of Talismanic Texts
19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/8 x 4 1/8 in. (168 grams, 16.3 x 10.5 cm).
Comprising forty bound leaves written in Amharic, featuring 'spectacle scripts', small drawings of the Christ's passion, Salomon's seal, Moses' snakes and Patriarchal staff, and other drawings of a double-headed serpent; preserved in the original pouch with bindings. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a Brighton bookseller, circa 2000.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Smidt, W., Dege, S., 'Tälsäm' in Encyclopedia Ethiopica, IV, Hamburg, 2011, pp.850-852, figs.1-2, for similar.
FootnotesThis particular object is sometimes referred to as a talisman or amulet, and also known as a ketãb (document) or metshaf (book). It was used in Ethiopia by priests and common people, not only intended for reading but also for providing protection. It was worn with a rope around the neck or shoulders of the owner.
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:
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Archaic Chinese Style Bronze Vessel
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With barrel-shaped profile to the body, three radiating stub legs, scooped square handles, domed lid with annular handle; low-relief cloud pattern ornament; after the antique. 3.1 kg, 31 cm wide
Acquired from the London art market in the 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Greek Wooden Icon with Silver Cover Showing Saint Michael and Gabriel
Istanbul, circa 1860 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £481
Showing the standing Taxiarches (commanders of the Heavenly Army) Michael (A[rchangel] M[ichael]) and Gabriel (A[rchangel] G[abriel]); Michael dressed in pseudo-Roman scale armour worn over a garment with hanging pteryges, partially covered by his military cloak, the raised right hand holding a sword and the left hand resting on a shield; Gabriel dressed in long mantion (a cloak fastened under the neck), long court dress with embroidery, holding the messenger’s flower in one hand and the Globe of the Divine Power over the world in the other; floral frame; fabric mark in Turkish and Greek (ω) near the right shoulder of Saint Michael. 285 grams, 16.2 x 12 cm
Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The icon is from a Constantinople workshop circa 1860 A.D. During the Turkokratia (the Turkish domination) the Orthodox inhabitants of Constantinople continued to entrust their protection to the powerful military commanders of the Heavenly Host, the Archangels. Following the Slavic style, the icons were often covered by embossed silver plates (riza), generally reproducing the same figures on the painted wood. -
Engraving of the City of Cheb/Egra in the Czech Republic
Circa 1560 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Finely engraved large full-page view map of the city of Cheb/Egra, Czech Republic, showing St Nicolas' Cathedral and other notable landmarks, from Sebastian Munster's "Cosmographia", ca. 1560; Latin text to verso describing the town. 58 grams, 41.2 x 28.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Scottish private collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
