Loading, please wait...
LOT 2057
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
19TH CENTURY A.D.
4 3/4 in. (341 grams, 12.1 cm).
Representing Saint Nicholas of Mira, with a Gospel in his left hand and making the gesture of blessing with his right, dressed as a bishop, with sticharion, covered by omophorion, and surmounted by an epitrachelion, all embroidered with crosses; the saint flanked by Jesus and Virgin Mary, Christ holding the Gospel, Mary the bishop’s epitrachelion; Cyrillic inscriptions 'Saint Nikolaos the Wonderworker (СВЯТЫЙ НИКОЛА ЧУДОТВОРЕЦ), Iesus Christos (ΙΣ ΧC) and Mother of God (ΜΡ ΘΥ)' on the enamelled background.
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.25819.156, p.67, for similar iconography.
FootnotesThe icon features meticulous craftsmanship typical of Orthodox iconography. The enamel colors, despite the passage of time, retain their vibrant intensity, highlighting the key elements of the depicted images. The refined details and use of enamel give depth and luminosity to the icon, making it a precious example of the Russian Orthodox tradition.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 2057
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Saint Nicholas
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
-
Egyptian Style Stone Amulet Collection
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Comprising three stylised plummets and three pesesh-kef amulets. 7.75 grams total, 18-28 mm
with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016. -
Post Medieval Silver Pendant with Calligraphic Stone
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Carnelian intaglio with Arabic inscription, set in a silver pendant with vegetal borders, the reverse with a regardant doe. 15.6 grams, 37 mm
Private collection, London. -
Enamelled Gold Hawking Whistle
Mughal, 1830-1890 A.D.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,250
Of tapering cylindrical form, extensively decorated in red, white, green and blue enamel in a foliate and floral design with scalloped borders, plain suspension loop; in 23 carat gold, unmarked, enamel restored; possibly of Indian workmanship. 4.84 grams, 42 mm
By repute found in the UK. Acquired Noonan's, London, UK, 15 September 2020, no.202. Property of a British collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12997-244313.
The enamelling is similar to Indian enamelled works from the Mughal period, all of which are rare, and these are regarded as gifts for a royal child. This whistle, however, is reported as originally being found in the UK and may be earlier in date.