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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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LOT 0376
Ethiopian Vellum Manuscript of Talismanic Texts
Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
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Silver-Coloured Metal Pendant with Dangles
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
D-shaped stone plaque with notched and hatched border, frieze of three standing figures; set in a silver-coloured metal cell with row of beas and dangles below, ribbed loop above. 96.3 grams, 39 cm long
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
George I Engraved Gold Memento Mori Skull Ring with Black Enamel
Dated 1723 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
D-shaped in section with black enamelled outer face and reserved skull, bones and foliage; engraving to inner face 'M.P. ob. 19 Aug .1723 aet 47' and maker's mark 'D.M'. 4.99 grams, 20.97 mm overall, 17.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12555-231633. 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 maker's mark is not listed in the standard works, e.g. Jackson, Sir C.J., English Goldsmiths and Their Marks, London, 1921. -
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.
