Indian Mutton Fat Jade Carved Fish-Shaped Gunpowder Flask

Decorated to obverse with a vase abundant with flowers in a mountainous landscape, with reserved roundels containing the images of Saints Anthony of Padua, John the Baptist and Saint Dominic de Guzmán; reverse with another vase in a landscape emitting a rose garland supporting an image of the Virgin and Child in Majesty, amidst clouds and angels. 24 grams, 61 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the French art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13057-248398.

The pendant is decorated in the manner of Giuseppe Bruno who was an enameler from Messina, Sicily (active c.1652-82).

With polychrome enamel in green, blue and yellow, framed by a square border with pointed doom, representing Saint Julyttas and her son Cyricus, surrounded by Saints; on the top, Christ Pantokrator, nimbate, making the gesture of blessing and holding a Gospel, seated upon a cloud and surrounded by Cyrillic letters 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); Cyrillic inscriptions above some of the saints. 325 grams, 13.5 cm



Acquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1. From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.

Made of bronze with brightly coloured enamels, this icon was intended for private devotion, often carried by pilgrims and Orthodox believers for spiritual protection. St. Julyttas and her son Cyricus (Ки́рик и Иули́тта), among the most venerated figures in Russian tradition, are depicted in the centre, surrounded by other saints, a symbol of the communion of the righteous.

With broad hoop and vertical ribbing to the shoulders, plaque with inset cloison, nastaliq calligraphic text on a field of flowers and tendrils. 20.19 grams, 28.17 mm overall, 20.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



Private collection, UK.