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LOT 0402
Post Medieval Gold 'Let Vertue Rule Affection' Decorated Posy Ring
17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.36 grams, 17.09 mm overall, 15.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
Composed of a chased exterior displaying flower heads and animals, the interior inscribed 'Let vertue rule affection' and filled with black enamel, followed by unidentified maker's stamp 'P' within a shield-shaped cartouche. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985.
Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.
Cf. The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, record id. HAMP-CD6223, for another ring with this inscription and with an exterior design executed in similar style.
FootnotesIn the medieval period many rings bore posy inscriptions in Latin or French, the languages frequently spoken by the affluent elites. Later, inscriptions in English became more usual, although the lack of standardisation in spelling might surprise the modern reader. The inscription is generally found on the interior of the ring, hidden to everyone except the wearer and most of the sentimental mottoes were taken from the popular literature of the time. In fact, love inscriptions often repeat each other, which suggests that goldsmiths used stock phrases. In the later 16th century, ‘posy’ specifically meant a short inscription. A posy is described in contemporary literature as a short ‘epigram’ of less than one verse. George Puttenham (1589) explained that these phrases were not only inscribed on finger rings, but also applied to arms and trenchers. The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the 16th century onwards, and continued until the late 18th century. Sources suggest that rings could be acquired ready- engraved, or alternatively engraved sometime after their initial production, by a hand other than the goldsmith’s. Joan Evans assumed that posy rings were principally used by/between lovers and distinguished four contexts for the giving of posy rings by one lover to another: betrothals, weddings, St Valentine’s Day and occasions of mourning. Samuel Pepys’ diary makes clear that posy rings might also mark the marriage of a family member, when bearers could even commission their own rings and chose their own mottoes from books. The rings could also function as tokens of friendship or loyalty.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0402
Post Medieval Gold 'Let Vertue Rule Affection' Decorated Posy Ring
Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
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Post Medieval Bronze Ring with Armorial Motif
17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Incuse tendrils to the shoulders, stylised shield motif to the bezel. 3.74 grams, 23.65 mm overall, 20.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman. -
Early Georgian Gold Ring with Gemstone
Early 18th century A.D.Estimate: £550 - 750 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Composed of a slender hoop expanding at the arms, oval-shaped cushion bezel set with a cut and polished carnelian gemstone, fluting to the reverse of the bezel, saltires and crescents to the hoop. 5.20 grams, 23.18 mm overall, 19.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Fine condition.
Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. -
Ethiopian Magic Vellum Scroll of Walatta Maryam
Late 19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Comprising three sheets joined together, bearing neat and regular lines of red and black inked script, together with associated images; the text including prayers for barya and evil eye, for Shotäläy and magical machination; the images representing two guardian angels at the top and bottom, Archangels Michael and Gabriel, within a geometric frame; at the bottom a picture of a jewelled cross with red triangles inserted within the arms; the owner's name given as Wällättä Maryam Beré. 56 grams, 1.97 m
Ex Adalberto Frezza, 2006. Ex central London gallery.
The sick looked upon such scrolls as it was believed that the images contained in them had healing powers. The scrolls were prepared by unordained clerics, or debatras, employed by Christian families, a practice which continued into the 20th century. Debatras were skilled at diagnosing the causes of illness, and treated them through scrolls such as that offered here, together with herbal and plant-based remedies; the images and prayers were believed to act on the spiritual source of the ailment, whilst the botanical remedies acted upon the physical symptoms. The scrolls covered the length of the afflicted person's body, providing preventative as well as curative protection and were often passed down through generations of the same family. The patients were often illiterate peasants, and the scrolls written in archaic Ge'ez, a liturgical language comprehended only by clerics; the debatras explained the prayers and the images to the sick. The images are designed to be mesmeric, the penetrating gaze of eyes from within the design giving them a sense of power.
