Gilt Bronze Handle Pair

Showing Christ Pantocrator (Lord of the Universe) making a blessing gesture with the right hand, dressed in red chiton and blue chlamys, the left hand holding the gospel with Cyrillic inscription from Matthew 11:28 Прiиди́те ко мнѣ́ вси́ труждáющiися и обременéн­нiи, и áзъ упокóю вы́, translating 'Come unto me, all who labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest'; inscriptions beside the Christ's head 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' and Cyrillic inscription 'Господь Вседержитель'= 'Lord Almighty on both sides of His Body'. 1.08 kg, 36 x 27.5 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.

This fine Russian religious work depicts Christ Pantocrator, ‘Almighty’ or ‘All Powerful’. It is a compound word formed from the Greek words for ‘all’ and the noun ‘strength’ (kratos).

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.

Formed as a black glass bird on a green base, the body with dragged trails to provide the feathered effect. 116 grams, 69 mm



Acquired in London, 1992. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.