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LOT 0368
Medieval Archangels and Other Carved Bone Plaques by the Embriachi Workshop
ITALY, FLORENCE, CIRCA 1400 A.D.
19 1/8 in. (1.08 kg total, 48.5 cm wide including stand).
Group of nine carved bone panels from a casket, most with a tapering upper third and openwork vegetation at the top; comprising: young man resting his hands on a teardrop shield, beside a fir-tree, looking right; winged nimbate angel in floor-length robe reaching upwards towards a three-horned crown; winged nimbate angel in floor-length robe holding a naked sword in her right hand and scales in her left; winged nimbate figure in floor-length robe holding a serpent in each hand, with three faces conjoined; winged angel in floor-length robe sitting on a dais, holding a discoid object with a bifid handle (perhaps a lute); winged nimbate angel in floor-length robe holding a chalice in her right hand and cross in her left; winged nimbate angel in floor-length robe holding a flaming torch in her right hand and grasping the raised hands of a child with her left; winged nimbate angel in floor-length robe with two ewers, pouring liquid from one to the other; young man resting his hands on a teardrop shield, beside a fir-tree, looking left; mounted on a wooden display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired Delchar, London, 2011.
Private collection, Suffolk, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12291-221716.
See Tomasi, M., La Bottega degli Embriachi, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, 2001.
FootnotesThe Bottega degli Embriachi was an important producer of artworks carved in bone (and occasionally ivory) in a framework of inlaid wood. It was active in Northern Italy from circa 1375 A.D. until circa 1433. It relocated from Florence to Venice about 1395. The Bottega was especially known for 'marriage caskets' with tall columnar lids, with carved bone figural panels.
Some of the panels here are evidently Christian (the figure with the cross and chalice) while others are perhaps purely symbolic (Justice with sword and scales) and some are simply puzzling (e.g. the three-faced figure with serpents).
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0368
Medieval Archangels and Other Carved Bone Plaques by the Embriachi Workshop
Sold for (Inc. bp): £7,800
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Medieval Silver-Gilt Claddagh Style Ring
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Ribbed hoop, applied parcel-gilt bezel with a crowned heart flanked by quatrefoils. 6.19 grams, 23.75 mm overall, 19.24 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Found Norfolk, UK. From an old private collection of Norfolk, UK, gentleman, formed since 1998. Recorded by the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Accompanied by a copy of the report to HM Coroner with Treasure reference no.2017 T948. Accompanied by a letter from the British Museum informing that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.
The design lacks the clasped hands which are a usual feature of the claddagh rings. -
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13th-14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Comprising a gilt-bronze ring brooch with segmented face to the hoop, and a larger ring brooch with twisted ropework detailing; many of these objects are published in the Detector Finds book series. 3.6 grams total, 14-20 mm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968. -
Medieval and Later Iron Artefact Collection
11th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising: a rare 10th-12h century Anglo-Norman horseshoe; a 15th century iron folded knife; a fragment of a possible stirrup element; the fragment of an iron musket pricker (?); an unidentified iron tool; accompanied by a reproduction medieval dagger. 586 grams total, 1.5-41.5 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
The early type of horseshoe known as 'wavy rim' from the undulating sides was well used in the Anglo-Saxon period. At the time of the Normans it was implemented, and the Domesday Book refers to the presence of many blacksmiths in England. The type was in use until the 13th century A.D.