Sassanian Style Facetted Crystal Vessel

Painted on a fine linen twill ground: wreath with two advancing lions armed with swords, sun-in-splendour to the rear of each, standing on a scroll supported by putti with central globe; jewelled crown above; in a glazed wooden frame with suspension rings to reverse. 2.76 kg, 55.5 x 58.7 cm



Property of a London gentleman.

Painted on a wooden board with mounting slots and panels to the reverse, gessoed surface with painting of the Virgin of Kazan, head of Mary with gilded nimbus and russet-coloured veil, standing infant Jesus similarly nimbate with right hand raised in the pax gesture; gilt monograms to the upper corners and title to the lower left corner. 968 grams, 31 cm high

Fine condition.

Ex property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The original icon, 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.

Comprising: a broad brown-glazed pot with openwork detailing, low tripod legs; squat red and yellow-glazed jar with lateral loop handles; brown-glazed biconvex bowl with lateral loop handles; biconvex pot with strap handle and pouring lip. 2 kg total, 14.3-20.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. Ex East Anglian private collection.