Post Medieval Silver Apostle Paul Statuette

A black jasper figurine depicting a tortoise with domed shell, plate detailing to the back and underneath, small erect head; offered with a green stone cat amulet, pierced longitudinally. 60 grams total, 32-51 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired on the London art market before 1999. Ex property of a West London gentleman.

A bronze finger ring with foliate ornament to the shoulders, florid bezel with incised date '1906' below horizontal band. 4.81 grams, 25.08 mm overall, 21.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z, USA 12 1/2, Europe 28.77, Japan 27)



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.

A bifacial bronze Yämäṩor Mäsqäl processional cross finial with later replaced socket, flanking bird motifs and dense block of tendrils and wheels with seven cross-shaped finials, central panel with Virgin Mary, Holy Child and angels to the front, saints and Evangelists to the back. 55 grams, 26 cm (37.5 cm including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 2006. UK private collection.

In contrast with the hand cross that is fitted with a grip, the processional cross has a hollow shaft into which the pole supporting the cross is inserted, although the use of both is interconnected in the liturgy and ceremonial aspects of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In Amharic it received the name of yämäṩor mäsqäl or "cross to [carry] on a pole", the term mäṩor also meaning a wooden handle. Processional crosses are used on "every qaddase day" occasions - an expression meaning whenever the liturgy is performed. This includes displaying the cross during the reading of the Gospels and other sacred texts, as well as holding it up to be viewed at the end of the service for the final blessing.