Mixed Statuette Group

Vellum leaf with pricked guidelines for placement of two columns of red-ink and black-ink text in Ge'ez script with red detailing; recto with two columns of text above a polychrome painted miniature showing a nimbate Mary beside a recumbent bearded figure among buildings with a winged angel above; verso with twenty-two lines of text in two columns. 89 grams, 35.5 x 30 cm



Previously in the David Buxton collection (1910-2003), until the late 1990s.

The scene should represent the miracle of the Virgin Mary to Damianus the scribe: Damianus wrote the name of the Virgin Mary with gold and silver instead of with common black ink. The Virgin Mary appeared to Damianus on his death bed and promises to write his name upon a pillar of gold in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Of fluted columnar form with the upper part formed as a lion leaping forward with its forepaws resting on the rim of the vessel; ovoid attachment plate at the lower end with mask of Venus; mounted on a custom-made stand. 243 grams total, 17 cm high (21 cm high including stand)



Acquired between 1980-1983.

Showing three female musicians beneath a canopy in a hilly landscape, gilt, red and green borders around the whole; set in a glazed wooden frame. 310 grams, 28.5 x 16.5 cm

Fine condition.

Acquired on the UK art market, 1980s-1990s. The Woodbridge collection of Indo-Persian art.