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LOT 0360
Mount Athos Wooden Cross with the Crucifixion and the Baptism
CIRCA 1669 A.D.
7 3/4 in. (93 grams, 19.5 cm).
Showing the Evangelists and the Crucifixion with Saint Mary, Saint John and Saint Longinos on one side with Greek inscription 'STAVROSIS (Η ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣΙΣ = the Crucifixion)' above; the Baptism on the other side with Greek inscription 'VANGELISMOU (Η ΒΑΝΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΥ = the Apparition)' above, evangelists depicted above and below with the angels Gabriel and Michael to the sides.
ProvenanceAcquired from Portobello Road, London, in the 1980s.
Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. similar cross with ornaments in the Dionisiou Monastery, in Pelekanidos, S.M., Christou, P.K., Mavropolos-Tsiumi, X., Kada, N., The Treasures of Mont Athos, Vol.I, Protaton, M. Dionisiou, M. Koutloumousiou, M. Xeropotamou, M. Gregoriou (in Greek), Athens, 1973, fig. p.43.
FootnotesThe term ‘Dodekaorton cross’ is the most appropriate for this category of crosses and is used in other codices of the post-Byzantine period. These small crosses were used by the Hieromonks for blessings to the faithful and in various processions and liturgies, and were often mounted with frames made of precious materials. The carving of wooden crosses is regarded as an art traditionally practiced by Athonite monks. Ioannis Komninos in 1698 and the Jesuit priest Braconnier in 1706 both refer to the carved wooden pectorals and crosses made by the monks in order to provide themselves with a livelihood.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0360
Mount Athos Wooden Cross with the Crucifixion and the Baptism
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
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Grand Tour Steatite Scarab Group
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising three scarabs with different decorative motifs on the body, hieroglyphs, including the cartouches of Amenhotep III and Tutankhamun, and other decorative motifs on the underside. 132 grams total, 52-54 mm
From a private, UK, collection in the 1980s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Ethiopian Engraved Bronze Cross with Figures of the Holy Fathers
Circa 1450-1480 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,080
A bifacial Yämäṩor Mäsqäl processional cross finial comprising an openwork flat-section panel surmounted by a cross, with interlaced tendril design engraved with four seated saints on both faces in low-relief; tapering tubular socket with circumferential ribbing, lateral angled crosses. 404 grams, 30.5 cm
Ex central London gallery. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
In contrast with the hand cross that is fitted with a grip, the processional cross has a hollow shaft into which the pole supporting the cross is inserted, although the use of both is interconnected in the liturgy and ceremonial aspects of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In Amharic, it received the name of yämäṩor mäsqäl or "cross to [carry] on a pole", the term mäṩor also meaning a wooden handle. Processional crosses are used on "every qaddase day" occasions - an expression meaning whenever the liturgy is performed. This includes displaying the cross during the reading of the Gospels and other sacred texts, as well as holding it up to be viewed at the end of the service for the final blessing. -
Vintage Medieval Style Chest
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Comprising a wooden frame with applied metal plates and decorative trims, a helmetted knight's head to the lid, fleur-de-lys motifs to the lid and long panels, large lion-head mount to each short face, inside with perspex panels; after the antique. 3.69 kg, 33 x 23 x 13 cm
Ex Midlands, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
