Post Medieval Enamelled Pendant

A central plaque from a brass triptych with standing nimbate Mother of God, dressed in a chlamys and tunica talaris, with her arms extended outward and the head turned to the right, surrounded by two groups of worshippers, arranged in three rows: the angels at the top, the right ones at the centre and prophets with angels at the bottom; two flags flying horizontally on each side of her head, surrounded by plant decorations, while the sun and moon are depicted at the two corners of the plaque, separated by an inscription in Russian; in the upper part, in the shape of an eastern dome, is represented the Holy Trinity, Father and Son, seated on a throne of clouds, a cross in the middle surmounted by a dove. 142 grams, 13 cm high

Fair condition.

Acquired on the UK art market, 2000s. Property of an Essex gentleman.

The icon represents the Intercession of Mary, 'Joy of all who sorrow'. It formed the central part of a triptych with the Mother of God at the centre, surmounted by iconography of veneration. The (here missing) other parts of the triptych were embossed with scenes of the lives of Christ or Mary.

A copper-alloy ring with armorial design to the oval bezel, the shoulders engraved with scrolls and other simple geometric forms; hoop repaired. 2.42 grams, 22.55 mm overall, 19.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired circa 2010. From an old Essex, UK, collection.

A wooden casket or reliquary with hand-made iron hinges, lock, hasp and other fittings; painted exterior in red with floral sprays, robed figure with advancing processional cross, robed nimbate figure with episcopal mitre, 'IHS' emblem to one end wall. 612 grams, 19 cm wide

Lock and one hinge broken.

English private collection.