Italian Miniature Amethyst Container

Comprising a D-section hoop and a large fluted bezel set with a cameo depicting a female profile bust, her hair pulled to a chignon at the nape of her neck, with two loose strands elegantly resting on her shoulder. 11.70 grams, 27.74 mm overall, 18.38 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13319-257965.

This refined bust captures the timeless elegance of ancient iconography: delicate profile turned to the left, hair held by a chignon and diadem allowing the locks to escape and forming braids. The cameo is Italian and dates to the 16th century, the ring is 18th century.

Rectangular in plan, the lime green silk field with two large roundels of red silk tied by a tassel in the rococo style, signature of Sultan Mahmud II contained within a mosque lamp, ten smaller roundels of alternating cream, orange and cream silk; large central rectangular panel and two bands above incorporating inscriptions in Thuluth, tughra of the Sultan framed by swags in lower part of field, ground richly decorated with floral swags and vegetal motifs, backed. 17.8 kg, 294 x 179 cm



Acquired before 2000. Private collection, UK. with Bonhams, London, 6 October 2008, no.216 (est. £80,000 - £120,000). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12741-235157.

The inscriptions comprise: in two horizontal cartouches: Qur'an, surah al-Ahzab (XXXIII, verses 45-46) inscription contained in mosque lamp; the signature of Sultan Mahmud Il in the two large roundels: the Shahadah in the six roundels above central rectangular panel; the names of the four Orthodox Caliphs, and the Imams Hasan and Husain in the central panel; Quran, surah al-Baqarah (Il), verse 255, ayat al-Kursi in the six side panels; the names of the companions of the Prophet in the lower part; the tughra of Sultan Mahmud.

Depicting a bust of a bearded mature man, probably a saint, wearing a yellow cloak and a lighter undergarment, looking to the side with a pensive expression, with a small tuft of grey hair on top of his head; oil on copper panel and set in a moulded frame, an old label on the reverse 'Italian School: 'Study of a Man with a Grey Beard' oil on copper, 7 x 5ins.' 1.26 kg total, 32 x 27.5 cm



Private collection, London, UK.