Details

LOT 0398

Pair of Bronze Liturgical Fans

GREECE, 17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.

25 1/4 in. (3.45 kgs total, 64.2 cm each including base).

Each composed of a stem with wooden handle and tapering white metal stem with bulbous collar, all ornamented with repoussé floral and foliate tendrils and seraphims; the bifacial discoid heads with scalloped circumferences, each with five domed bosses and displaying seraphims and stars within pellet and bead borders; lettering to heads and collars; each mounted on a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]

Provenance

with Boisgirard, 28 November 2013, lot 138.
Ex central London gallery.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202063.

Literature

Cf. Brooklyn Museum, New York, inv.nos. 46.126.1 and 46.126.2, illustrated in New York, 2012, pp.72-3, nos.44A,B.

Footnotes

The shape and decorative scheme of these liturgical fans has existed since at least the 8th century A.D. These fans were likely crafted as souvenirs for pilgrims returning from Jerusalem, or for them to bring to Jerusalem as homage to the church. Seraphim are the highest-ranking angels in the traditional hierarchy, and as such are closest to God.