Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String

The crest of Frederick Louis impaling the arms of his late wife, Augusta (1719-1772), daughter of Frederick II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha, whom he married in 1736, accompanied by some forty livery and military badges and metalled horse trappings, housed in a glazed wall cabinet with opening front. 21.65 kg, 132 x 68 x 14 cm



Ex Morningthorpe Manor, Norfolk, UK.

The parish of Morningthorpe is situated in south Norfolk, east of Long Stratton and west of Hempnall. The parish was certainly well established by the time of the Norman Conquest, its population, land ownership and productive resources being detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086.

Comprising a large spherical mosaic glass bead and a handbag-shaped mosaic glass pendant. 75.6 grams total, 33-55 mm



Private collection, UK.

Depicting the Mother of God of Kazan with the Divine Child; the head of Mary slightly turned left towards infant Jesus extending his right hand in blessing; both figures with large haloes and identifying Greek inscriptions 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God) and 'O Ѡ N' (I am); three flowers in the nimbus of the Virgin; knop at the top for the suspension. 34.3 grams, 59 mm



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.

The original icon prototype of these smaller icons, also known as the Theotokos of Kazan, is thought to have originated in Constantinople in the 13th century before it was taken to Russia. When the Turks took over Kazan in 1438, the icon was most probably hidden to keep it safe. Ivan the Terrible liberated Kazan in 1552, and the town was destroyed by fire in 1579, after which the icon was found and brought to the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was subsequently stolen in 1904 and never found again, though there are many copies in existence.