Pre-Columbian Style Pottery Figure

Mixed group of silver-coloured metal pendants including one with a plaque of lion and lioness in long grass beneath cells containing an intaglio, rosette and brass calligraphic discs, and other types. 142 grams total, 69-87 mm



Property of a South West London gentleman.

The hand modelled with elongated fingers with nail detailing, elaborate layered jacket cuff with rosettes forming the socket; an attachment stud beneath the palm and above the wrist. 47.2 grams, 60 mm



Private collection formed in the 1990s. Acquired from a London gallery. Property of an Essex gentleman.

Vellum leaf with pricked guidelines for placement of two columns of black-ink text in Ge'ez script with red detailing; recto with nineteen lines of text; verso with text and polychrome painted scene of figures beside a house and distribution of drink. 13 grams, 26.5 x 23.5 cm



Acquired on the New York art market, circa 2000. Ex central London gallery.

With the royal patronage for her cult given by the Gondar’s Kings, Virgin Mary's role as a maker of miracles became predominant and apocalyptic metaphors and narrative gained importance in pictorial representations, such as those in the manuscripts. Her eschatological role continued to evolve until the eighteenth century, when she was portrayed in an icon as a celestial empress.