Post Medieval Glazed Ceramic Boat Tile Set

Painted onto bone china in polychrome and gilt, showing the ruler facing, dressed in royal attire. 27 grams total, 64 mm high (82 x 82 mm including box)



Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market, before 1990.

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar was the fourth Shah of Qajar, and the third longest reigning ruler in Iranian history. He was assassinated in Tehran on 1st May 1896. He is known for being the first modern Persian monarch to have formally visited Europe and to have written about his travels in his memoirs.

Displaying a floral design; mounted on a backboard for display. 1.6 kg, 29 x 29 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Depicting a robed and nimbate figure of Saint Eleutherios, facing, hands gesturing in front of his chest, text in Greek across left and right fields reading 'O Aγιος Ἐλευθέριος,' (Saint Eleutherios). 596 grams, 33.5 cm



Ex French gallery, Paris.

As bishop in Illyricum, Eleutherios promoted Christianity at a time when the persecutions not only made it difficult to win and hold converts, but also at a time when it was very dangerous to be a high-ranking prelate of the church. Oblivious to this threat, he was acclaimed in the inner circle of Christianity as the brightest luminary of Christian Rome since the apostles. His immense popularity grew and thereby became more dangerous to the state. He was finally brought to the attention of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered his arrest, tortured and put him to death on December 15th.