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LOT 2140
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John
19TH CENTURY A.D.
6 1/2 in. (270 grams, 16.6 cm).
Representing the Saviour on the cross, the titulum inscribed with the letters 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); Cyrillic inscriptions over the sun (Солнце) and the moon (Луна), flanking Jesus and above the heads of the figures: Mary of Magdala (Мария Магдала), the Mother of God ('ΜΡ ϴΥ'), Saint John the Theologian (Св Иоанн) and Saint Longinus (Св Лонгин); on the background the symbols of the Passion (sponge on reed, spear and a skull set on stones marking the site as Golgotha, twisted cords or wire, skan) and the city of Jerusalem; on the upper part of the cross the Archangels Michael and Gabriel with cloth-covered hands, the Mandylion above them.
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.25819.003ff., pp.42ff., for similar iconography.
FootnotesOrthodox travel icons were used by the faithful to carry a sacred representation with them during their journeys, offering protection and a constant spiritual connection. The icon features meticulous craftsmanship with intricate details of the Passion and Death of the Saviour, according to the Byzantine iconography.
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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LOT 2140
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Christ Flanked by Mary, Maria, and Saint John
Estimate £250 - 350€290 - 410 (for guidance only)$340 - 470 (for guidance only)
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Silver-Gilt Mounted Jet 'Figa' Amulet
Spain, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
Formed as a hand showing figa gesture, silver mount with applied twisted wires; attachment loop and ring to the top. 19.6 grams, 56 mm
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
Mano Fico, as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or mano fico, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm. The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans. This carving would have served as a token representing a person's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the very few places in which jet can be found and mined since at least the Middle Ages. -
Tibetan Brass Hip Flask
Mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
With applied mask design, cabochon studs to the shoulders, screw-thread to stopper. 265 grams, 14.6 cm
From the private collection of a Kent, UK, gentleman. -
Indo-Persian Artefact Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Including a broad, crescentic, flat axehead with bifacial silver inlay, and stylised figure of a horned animal. 182 grams total, 6.5-13.6 cm
From the private collection of Kenneth Machin (1936-2020), Buckinghamshire, UK; his collection of antiquities and natural history was formed since 1948; thence by descent.
