Post Medieval Memento Mori Coffin Pendant with a Skeleton

Comprising an olive wood cross on a triangular base with inlaid nacre and other detailing; lozengiform panels and nail-shaped plates, lateral rods with nacre to the ends; base with central gazed panel revealing three fragmentary supposed relics and label 'S. Serafin C'. 372 grams, 46.6 cm



Property of a Norwich, Norfolk, UK, gentleman.

Serafin was born in San Gimignano, Italy. Her family was poor, and her parents both died while she was still young. The child was known for her deeds of penance and humility but an illness afflicted her eyes, feet, and hands so she became paralysed.

Each carved into the wedjat amulet and pierced longitudinally. 28.9 grams total, 20-30 mm



with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016.

With raised right hand, the left hand holding the Gospel, dressed in red tunic and dark-green garment (himation); covered with an elaborate silver oklad with repoussé and chased decoration, mounting bar to reverse, silver-coloured metal with reserved epigraphic panels and circular void to reveal painted icon beneath; separate two-piece gilt revetment, the upper nimbus with pierced edge and reserved capitals, set with four stones; the background panel bearing reserved tendril ornament; incised Cyrillic inscription 'Г[оспо]дь Вседержит[ель]' (= Lord Almighty) on the sides of Jesus; the Gospel with Cyrillic inscription, red foil embroidered in gold; incised three letters in Cyrillic capitals on the gilt nimbus 'ТѠ Ο И' (The only living One). 983 grams, 29 x 25 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12926-246332.