Large Sasanian Style Carved Rock Crystal Bead

Various types including discoid with pierced lug, spherical, domed and other types. 1.75 kg total, 9-27 mm



Found Suffolk, UK. (UK buyers only, not for export)

A rectangular bifacial plaque pierced through the upper edge for suspension, one side with four vertical columns of writing, the other side with three animal-drawn carriages. 39.36 grams, 55 mm



Acquired 1990-2000s, North London, UK collection. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman.

Depicting Deesis with Jesus at the centre, Saint Mary on the left and Saint John the Baptist on the right; Jesus seated upon a throne, depicted with the open Gospel in his left hand and raising his right hand in blessing; Mary, with veiled head and mantle, wearing a maphorion mantle over an embroidered robe and holding a scroll; the Deesis surrounded by a theory of saints, with Saint Zosima and Saint Sabbas making the Proskynesis in front of the Christ; Old Slavic inscription above the figures: 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ). 67 grams, 64 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 Deisis or Deesis (Деисус, Gk. for “supplication”) was the depiction of the Virgin, John the Baptist and possibly other saints interceding with Christ on behalf of mankind.