Rock Crystal Stamp Seal with Head

Substantial D-section segmented hoop and stepped bezel; ellipsoid plaque with two busts flanking a cross; equal-arm cross below each shoulder, mane in fede clasped hands to the centre and flanking ellipsoid panels with 'OMO' and 'NIA' legend for omonia (Greek, meaning 'agreement, harmony'). 5.93 grams, 25.94 mm overall, 19.41 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)



Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s.

Painted on a wooden board with mounting slots and panels to the reverse, gessoed surface with painting of the Virgin of Kazan, head of Mary with gilded nimbus and russet-coloured veil, standing infant Jesus similarly nimbate with right hand raised in the pax gesture; gilt monograms to the upper corners and title to the lower left corner. 968 grams, 31 cm high

Fine condition.

Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The original icon, also known as the Theotokos of Kazan, is thought to have originated in Constantinople in the 13th century before it was taken to Russia. When the Turks took over Kazan in 1438, the icon was most probably hidden to keep it safe. Ivan the Terrible liberated Kazan in 1552, and the town was destroyed by fire in 1579, after which the icon was found and brought to the Church of Saint Nicholas. It was subsequently stolen in 1904 and never found again, though there are many copies in existence.

With tubular body expanding toward the rounded base, everted wide rim; repaired. 1.9 kg, 21 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.