Post Medieval Iron Folding Knife Group

Openwork bow with volute scrolls and waisted silhouette, integral suspension loop to apex, collared and balustered neck, round-section stem with bulbous finial, rectangular bit with arrow-shaped void and two side notches. 74 grams, 12.2 cm



From the collection of an EU gentleman formed around 2000. Acquired on the UK art market.

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.

Displaying different colour glazes and designs including insects visiting flowers, birds perched amidst floral sprays, a vessel at sea, landscapes featuring buildings and sailing vessels, figural vignette and various floral and vegetal designs. 5.3 kg total, 11.5 x 12.5 - 13 x 13 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.