Medieval Iron Single-Edged Knife

Composed of a pair of recessed panels forming folding doors; the right panel with painted crucifixion scene depicting robed Mary, John the Evangelist and another apostle, angels collecting the blood in cups; the left panel with nude Adam and Eve with deceased reaching up towards resurrected Christ holding the standard of Victory in his left hand, two holy women, the myrrh bearers (Mary Magdalen and Mary, mother of Jesus) to the left. 499 grams, 24 cm high each



Ex French private collection, 2000. Ex central London gallery.

The icon shows the Western influence on Ethiopian art. The Crucifixion image contains many elements of this iconography which are found in many Oriental and Western Art of Middle Ages, but with significant changes from the previous representations: Jesus is nailed with three nails and not four, the head leaning towards his right shoulder and the hair falling on his shoulders. Following the Western influence, Christ is represented in a spasm of physical pain, and consequently a more detailed anatomy of his chest and abdomen is depicted. This concept of the Crucifixion, common in the Italian Late Middle Age and Renaissance art, found its way to Ethiopia at some time towards the end of the 15th century, or at the beginning of the 16th century. As in the majority of the Resurrection icons of this period, Christ is dressed in a long robe with a cloak or toga draped over one shoulder.

One face displaying a shield in relief bearing horizontal lines; an antlered deer pursued by an arrow. 715 grams, 1.7 cm



Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK.

Tokens of this type were used in taverns and similar establishments.

Composed mainly of glazed and unglazed fragments, including items displaying decorative motifs and including lids, feet, spouts and other elements. 23.1 kg total including box, 69.5 x 30.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.