Lead Gaming Dice

Representing the subject of the advocation of Virgin Mary, depicted as a haloed robed woman, standing with her arms extended outwards, figures kneeling at her side, Greek inscription 'ΜΡ ϴΥ’ (Mother of God) above; the other panels with the entrance of Christ in Jerusalem (top left); the Presentation to the Temple (bottom left); the Resurrection (top right) and the Ascension (bottom right); Cyrillic inscriptions over each of the scenes; on the crest and finial, the Trinity (three angels with cups) flanked by Cherubins, the Mandylion above. 85 grams, 90 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 icon represents the Intercession of Mary, 'Joy of all who sorrow'. It formed the central part of a triptych with the Mother of God at the centre, surmounted by iconography of veneration. The other parts of the triptych are embossed with scenes of the lives of Christ.

Conical segmented body with a tubular socket above to accept a separate crest; the surface of the fastening segments decorated with opposing triangles and an eagle at the base, the central segment decorated with an expanding arm cross at the base; the browband with an embossed inscription 'D[ominus] N[ostrum] IVSTINIANUS PERP[etuus] AVG[ustus] IN NOMINE XP[isti] VINCAS SEMP[er] = Our Lord Justinian, forever August, be always victorious; series of perforations on the lower rim, internally the lower part lined with corroded iron; supplied in a custom-made display case. 1.2 kg, 19.9 cm high



Ex property of a European gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report on this reproduction by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12918-245690.

Modelled with outstretched arms and head turned to his right, back straight and feet resting on a block with hole for attachment. 81 grams, 10.8 cm high



Found Speen near Donning Castle, West Berkshire, UK, between Friday 1st January 2010 - Saturday 1st January 2011.