Roman Style Glass Vessel Group

A portable wooden diptych icon depicting Bet Giyorgis on horseback on the left, dressed in red mauve riding coat, green cloak and carrying a shaft with iron head; on the right the Nativity scene with Virgin and the Child escorted by the angels. 562 grams, 20 x 15.5 cm



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

The presence of angels dressed in western garments, the uncovered head of the Virgin and the swords of the angels, could suggest that the diptych is strongly influenced by Italian Renaissance painters. However, the chopping tool used here is particularly Ethiopian, as is the depiction of the Virgin and Child, lacking the care visible in Ethiopian works copied from Italian paintings. Ethiopian paintings influenced by European art can be split into two groups according to Stanislaw Chojnacki: paintings that directly relate to an identified painting, and paintings which borrow themes and details from Western art. In both, however, the Western forms have been simplified to the Ethiopian mode of expression. The horse harness can suggest dating to 16th-17th century A.D.

A bronze pendant of discoid form and suspension loop to apex, openwork design comprising a stylised figure with polychrome enamelling. 5.56 grams, 35 mm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

A silver hinged spherical incense burner with swivel clasp and gimbal; pierced decoration of foliate form with roundels incised with flying insects; swivel clasp and suspension chain with decorated hook; Chinese characters (possibly a maker's name) inscribed to hook. 91 grams, 16 cm long



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.