Post Medieval Iron Door Key Collection

Portable shrine with geometric ornament and crosses to the outer face, opening doors to reveal a diptych with image of Mary Theotokos and Child, escorted by angels Gabriel and Michael with drawn swords, on the left; on the right, Abune Gabra Manfus Qeddus with hands raised, nimbate figures of Takla Haymanot and Ewostatewos with yellow and blue garments on the right; on the lower right corner Saint George (Bet Gorgis) killing the dragon. 453 grams, 21.8 x 19 cm



Sir Alistair McAlpine, circa 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

In the Ethiopian icons, Gabra Manfas Qeddus (Servant of the Holy Spirit) the famous hermit whose sanctity tamed the wild beasts, is often represented. The exterior faces of these diptych panels, like the smaller bilateral diptychs of the 17th century, were carved with centralised cross designs that reflects the carved designs of contemporary wooden altar tablets.

In oil and tempera on a slightly curved wooden panel, depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God) and the infant Jesus on a plain green field; Mary wearing a red maphorion mantle over a dark blue robe, with elaborate golden brocade to the hem, floral ornaments to the upper part of the garment; the infant facing to left, resting on Mary's left arm, dressed in white tunic, wrapped in a red shawl, right hand making the pax gesture, left hand extended holding a scroll; Greek inscription in red lettering 'ΜΡ ΘΥ (Μήτηρ (τοῦ) Θεοῦ = Mother of God)' flanking Mary's head; inscription in Greek 'ΙϹ ΧϹ (ΙΗϹΟΥϹ ΧΡΙϹΤΟϹ = Jesus Christ)' above the infant; silver-gilt repoussé cover with inscription. 574 grams, 22 x 15 cm



Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The icon shows the Virgin in the attitude of Hodegetria. This is the iconographical type of Virgin Mary one encounters most frequently in an Eastern Orthodox church or home, Hodegetria meaning 'Mother of God Pointing the Way'. The Virgin Mary is shown with the Christ on her lap, looking at the viewer and her right hand indicating Christ, seeming to say 'Follow Him'.

Comprising small grape or canister shots, and a larger shot, likely for a smoothbore cannon. 1.66 kg total, 37-61 mm



Found on various UK sites since 1974. Property of an Essex collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.