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LOT 1960
Russian Bronze Travel Icon with Madonna and Child
CIRCA 18TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (34.3 grams, 59 mm).
Depicting the Mother of God of Kazan with the Divine Child; the head of Mary slightly turned left towards infant Jesus extending his right hand in blessing; both figures with large haloes and identifying Greek inscriptions 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God) and 'O Ѡ N' (I am); three flowers in the nimbus of the Virgin; knop at the top for the suspension. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired from Chris Martin-Zakheim, Iconastas, 5 Piccadilly Arcade, London SW1.
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s.
Cf. Eighme Ahlborn, R., Beaver-Bricken Espinola, V., Russian Copper Icons and crosses from the Kunz Collection: Castings of Faith, Washington, 1991, nos.25819.078, p.50, for similar iconography.
FootnotesThe original icon prototype of these smaller icons, 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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A reproduction of a Medieval seal discoid in plan with flange handle to reverse; central incuse design of facing Christ in loincloth, nimbate and holding a processional cross with legend 'MARIA', beside a tree with kneeling nimbate Mary, her hands extended and legend 'RABONI' above; scallop motifs in the field, outer band of egg-and-dart moulding; legend to inner band ' ·:· SIGILLVM ·:· CAPPITULI ·:· VEZELIASSENSIS' (chief seal of Vézelay [in Burgundy, France]). 54.2 grams, 61 mm
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Chinese Archaic Style Bronze Vessel
20th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Square in section and piriform in profile with taotie masks supporting drop handles, domed lid with four dragon appliqués. 3.2 kg, 34 cm high
Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s, and Desmond Morris. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
