Post Medieval Two-Handled Ceramic Vessel

Framed and glazed with wire for suspension to the reverse; the sampler reads: 'Religion should our thoughts engage / Amidst our youthful bloom / Twill fit us for declining age / and for the awful tomb / Frances Todd / Aged 11 years / 1831'. 1.6 kg, 47 x 39 cm



Acquired on the UK art market. East Anglian private collection.

This verse is quoted from 'Religion Is The Chief Concern', from John Fawcett's, Hymns Adapted to the Circumstances of Public Worship and Private Devotion, 1782.

The Virgin holding the infant Christ, gesturing towards him with her right hand, wearing a carmine red maphorion embellished with golden pearled embroidery, elaborate cuffs and neckline to the himation; Christ making the blessing sign with his hand, the green chiton and orange himation embellished with red folds; both figures nimbate within a shallow recess and framed by a red border, inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' over the Child’s head; winged nimbate ‘Angel of God’ and nimbate Saint Matrona in rectangular panels on either side; split and repaired. 896 grams, 31.2 cm



Ex French gallery, Paris.

For the Orthodox believers, the Mother of God (Theotokos) carries a special meaning. The believers relate to her as a mother who suffered and lived through the death of her son, a figure not only of love and compassion, but also of fortitude and sacrifice.

Painted onto bone china in polychrome and gilt, showing the ruler facing, dressed in royal attire. 27 grams total, 64 mm high (82 x 82 mm including box)



Acquired by the vendor's father on the UK art market, before 1990.

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar was the fourth Shah of Qajar, and the third longest reigning ruler in Iranian history. He was assassinated in Tehran on 1st May 1896. He is known for being the first modern Persian monarch to have formally visited Europe and to have written about his travels in his memoirs.