Roman and Sasanian Style Gemstone Group

Portable shrine with geometric ornament and crosses to the outer face, opening doors to reveal a diptych with image of Mary Theotokos and Child, escorted by angels Gabriel and Michael with drawn swords, on the left; on the right, Abune Gabra Manfus Qeddus with hands raised, nimbate figures of Takla Haymanot and Ewostatewos with yellow and blue garments on the right; on the lower right corner Saint George (Bet Gorgis) killing the dragon. 453 grams, 21.8 x 19 cm



Sir Alistair McAlpine, circa 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

In the Ethiopian icons, Gabra Manfas Qeddus (Servant of the Holy Spirit) the famous hermit whose sanctity tamed the wild beasts, is often represented. The exterior faces of these diptych panels, like the smaller bilateral diptychs of the 17th century, were carved with centralised cross designs that reflects the carved designs of contemporary wooden altar tablets.

Two boards from an episcopal mitre with linen facing and dense silver-thread foliage ornament to each; housed in a custom-made wooden case with linen lining, leather-covered with tooled and gilt detailing to both faces and sides, episcopal arms to upper face with Catholic episcopal headgear over a heater shield with three fleurs-de-lys in chief and a bend sinister lozengy; to the reverse, five radiating arms pierced to allow straps to pass beneath to secure the lid. 1.38 kg, 43 cm



Francesca Galloway Ltd, 2001. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Comprising: a wooden cross with carved scenes from the life of Christ (Nativity and others to one face, Crucifixion and others to the other face) housed in a filigree frame with beaded wire borders to the circular openings; three large amethyst beads to the arms, smaller coral and glass beads to each face; cannetille balustered stem and domed base. 140 grams, 21.8 cm



Ex Iconastas, London, SW1, UK, in 2004. Ex Mayfair Gallery Limited, London W1, UK, in 2005. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Mayfair Gallery invoice dated 10 January 2005. Accompanied by a copy of the Iconastas invoice dated 18 February 2004. 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 search certificate no.12488-229957. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.