Post Medieval Glass Cameo Bust

A bronze nude and muscular male figure modelled naturalistically in the round, standing in a dynamic pose; mounted on a tiered display base; repaired. 1.46 kg total, 24 cm high including stand



English private collection.

A bifacial wooden Qäqwami Mäsqäl processional cross, three-lobed extremities on three sides, decorated with geometric motifs representing crosses of different types, supported by a lanceolate shaft with two round openwork openings; socketted shaft with vertical grooves and fitted with a double horizontal groove; inscriptions on two of the lobed sides of the cross; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 600 grams, 42 cm high (49cm high including stand)



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

The large wooden crosses are often used by ddbtdras, who are unordained members of the Orthodox Ethiopian clergy, for their liturgical dance. In the countryside, one or two of these crosses are kept on the church window-sills close to the area where the dance is performed, instead of being kept in the church storehouse. Sometimes they are mounted upon a shaft and worn in procession. The characteristic feature of a processional cross is a socketted shaft which serves for mounting them on a strong pole known as masor or handle. Although technically the shaft serves to support the cross, according to the interpretation of Ethiopian church scholars, its real function is to protect the cross from being touched.

A gold ring composed of a slender hoop embellished with tapering, white enamelled shoulders with black enamelled flourishes, fluted box collet setting, set with a pink foil back and table-cut rock crystal; accompanied by a vintage ring box. 1.89 grams, 21.50 mm overall, 16.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Valued by Bentley & Skinner, Piccadilly, London W1, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Bentley & Skinner insurance valuation. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11669-197584.

The V & A Museum explains that during the '...Renaissance, the ring developed from the simple forms of the medieval period into a miniature work of art, combining the skills of the chaser, engraver and enameller as well as the stone cutter.