Mixed Ring Group

Matched pair with stepped moulded edges framing a rectangular block with small lateral recesses supported on a ribbed S-scroll; some wear. 21.8 kg total, 37 cm each



Private collection, London, UK.

With slots and mounting panels to the reverse; sheet silver basma composed of decorative impressed strips trimmed to the outline of the painted image; icon of 'Virgin Donskaya' (Our Lady of the River Don), Mary wearing a dark purple veil and mantle with jewelled trim and tasselled fringe to the crook of the arm, infant Jesus supported by her right arm; rectangular panels with monograms flanking Mary's head; 'ΜΡ' and 'ΘΥ' (Μήτηρ (τοῦ) Θεοῦ = Mother of God), over the child inscription in Greek letters 'ΙϹ ΧϹ' (ΙΗϹΟΥϹ ΧΡΙϹΤΟϹ = Jesus Christ), three letters (only two visible) inside the nimbus of Christ representing the continuous divine self-existence of Christ as God ('O ѾN' = The Only One who always exists). 1.05 kg, 31.5 cm high

Fine condition.

Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The original of this icon (Our Lady of the Don) is a 14th century icon, with the characteristics of the Eleusa (Virgin of the tenderness), by the great painter Theophan the Greek, circa 1382-1395, held in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

Group of four rectangular silver-coloured metal boxes each with scrolled foliage to the lid surrounding a blank panel, two with ornament to the underside, one with four-line punched dot inscription to verso. 127 grams total, 43-47 mm



Property of a South West London gentleman.