Post Medieval Brass Fitting with Coins

Composed of a slender hoop, expanding shoulders decorated with white enamelled foliage and black enamelled pea-pod ornament, repeated around the bezel, bezel with box setting holding a table-cut ruby, white and black enamelled floral design to the underside; minor loss of enamel; likely from France; accompanied by a 'Les Enluminures' hinged presentation box. 4.57 grams, 23.32 mm overall, 18.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired from Les Enluminures Ltd, Illinois, USA, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a Les Enluminures certificate of authenticity. Accompanied by a copy of the Les Enluminures invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11671-197579.

Over the centuries, the ruby became a symbol of the amorous heart and a popular gemstone for betrothal or wedding rings in Western Europe. This gemstone was believed to symbolise the virtues of marriage and convey the desire for eternal matrimonial love. The ruby-red colour was often enhanced by setting the stone on top of a foil. The stones themselves were imported from as far afield as Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka. Old inventories record them as 'balas rubies', which were sourced to decorate royal crowns. In the 17th century, the red colour was set-off by the pastel shades of satin which were fashionable in dress at the court of King Louis VIII, where the art of enamelling was also practiced.

Showing a vibrant scene in watercolour composed of a couple with a child seated on a rug by a religious figure, being blessed; their attendant fans them whilst their horses stand behind, set in a landscape, panel of text to one side; set in a reveal within a glazed wooden frame. 795 grams, 37.5 x 29.5 cm

Fine condition, some worm holes.

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

Showing biblical scenes in relief; remains of coloured glaze. 1.67 kg total, 12 x 8.5 - 13 x 9 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

The scenes could be interpreted as a representation of the slaughter of the innocents, the sacrifice of a bull, the Baptism of Christ, and a naval battle. The latter, if concerning the history of the Jewish people, could depict the battle of the Sea of Galilee of 68 A.D. The tiles were probably part of a bigger complex related to the history of the Jewish and Christian people.