Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Tudor Period Silver-Gilt Clasped Hands Ring
16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Narrow hoop with shallow median recess to outer face, each shoulder developing to a clasped hand. 3.58 grams, 23.80 mm overall, 17.12 x 20.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Silver Ring with Plain Hoop
17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
A large ring with a D-section hoop. 3.41 grams, 24.45 mm overall, 21.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)
From an English collection formed before 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Greek Triptych Icon with Mother of God and Christ, Saint George and Other Saints
18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Executed in oil and tempera and gold leaf; the central panel with the veiled head of Mary with her head inclined towards the infant Jesus supported by her left hand, wearing a red maphorion mantle with elaborate golden borders, over an off-white robe, with gold cuffs; the infant facing to left, dressed in blue tunic and wrapped in a yellow shawl, right hand extended in blessing gesture, Greek inscriptions ΜΡ ΘΥ (Μήτηρ (τοῦ) Θεοῦ = Mother of God) flanking Mary's head, and 'ΙϹ ΧϹ' (ΙΗϹΟΥϹ ΧΡΙϹΤΟϹ = Jesus Christ) beside the infant; the side panels with icons of Saints Kosmas and Damianos (upper sections) and Saint George killing the dragon and Saint Barbara (lower sections). 425 grams, 20.5 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.
Even after the fall of Constantinople, icons painted on wood remained the principal object of devotion for Orthodox Christians wherever the commonwealth of the Eastern Roman Empire left its traces. The painted icons are still used by the Orthodox for personal devotion, for display in churches on feast days, and to decorate the iconostasis (partition) of the church. This icon is a portable one, for domestic or travel prayers.
