Post Medieval Enamelled Pendant

A gold posy ring with D-section band inscribed internally 'A friends gift' in lower case with initials 'I M' added after; with 'crown over T H' maker's punch. 1.94 grams, 15.23 mm overall, 12.85 mm internal diameter



Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

A wooden triptych with recessed central panel and two folding doors; the central panel with crucifixion scene with robed Mary and John the Evangelist, another apostle and Mary Magdalen, two crucified thieves to the rear and the angels depicted collecting the blood of God in cups; underneath the Crucifixion scene Virgin Mary and the Child escorted by armed Saint Gabriel and Saint Michael, prophets to the sides; the left door with nude Adam and Eve reaching up to the Resurrection of Christ, beneath them three prophets; the right door with two saints (upper panel) and three prophets; left and right bottom panels with Saint George (Bet Giorgis) and military Saint Victor on horseback; Ethiopian Ge'ez script legends. 760 grams, 35.5 x 21.5 cm



Acquired on the London art market, 2003. UK private collection.

The icon shows the Western influence on Ethiopian art. The first element is the orb which the Child holds in his left hand and the second element is the pose of his right hand. The orb appeared in Ethiopian paintings around 1500 A.D. Moreover, his hand shows two fingers outstretched, the index and middle finger, and the two last fingers folded.

A gold finger ring with pie-dish bezel and pellets to the rim, inset sardonyx with intaglio female bust. 5.75 grams, 26.60 mm overall, 17.78 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



English private collection.