Mosaic Glass Bead Collection

Presenting an architectural setting with figures in two chambers framed with cornices, columns and furnitures; the upper chamber showing Saint Anna in birthing bed with two attendants; the lower room with two attendants bathing an infant; on the right Saint Joachim seated upon a cathedra; Old Slavonic inscription reciting ‘The birth of the most holy mother of God’. 230 grams, 98 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.

According to the Protoevangelium of James, Mary's parents were called Anna and Joachim and conceived Mary at a late age.

D-section hoop with carinated profile, ribbing to the shoulders, square bezel with arcade detailing to the base, and inset table-cut crystal. 3.10 grams, 23.84 mm overall, 17.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



By repute from Maastricht, Netherlands. Acquired on the European art market.

Barrel-shaped in profile with beaded rims, diagonal bands of beading framing parcel-gilt bands with flower and tendril ornament; legend to inner face in italic capitals 'TENES LA [F]OY' (keep the faith). 2.49 grams, 21.42 mm overall, 18.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex East Sussex private collection, 1970s-1980s.