Seal Matrix Casting Group

Representing the Mother of God of Kazan with the Divine Child; the head covering of Mary marked with a six-point star, infant Jesus extending his right hand in blessing; Greek inscriptions 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God) and 'O Ѡ N' (‘I am’); knop at the top for suspension. 53 grams, 63 mm



Acquired 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.

The original prototype of these small 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.

Representing the Vladimir Mother of God with the Divine Child; the half-length figure Mary with covered head turned right and with her left hand raised; holding the embracing infant Jesus in her right hand; above them inscription in Greek letters 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Mother of God); flanking the central icon and beneath it the images of the Saints Peter, Paul, Peter of Moscow and John Chrysostomos, Saint Gregory and Saint Dimitri; in the foreground the city of Vladimir. 96 grams, 60 mm



Acquired 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.

The original icon prototype of these smaller icons was the icon of the Virgin Mother of Vladimir with the infant Jesus (the original preserved in the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow), probably the most famous icon of Russia, which was thought to have been created in Constantinople in the early part of 1100s. This image is sometimes referred to as the ‘tenderness icon’, with artists attempting to show the close relationship of mother and son with their cheeks touching as they embrace.

Hollow-formed with openwork eyes and nasal cavity, hinge beneath the lower jaw which opens to reveal six compartments with internal 'lid' engraved with the names of six fragrances: 'Rosen, Citron, Schlag, Rosmarin, Negeln, and Canel', the other side to contain a sponge soaked in the perfumed oils and spices, a short length of chain suspended from the top of the skull. 25.4 grams, 38 mm



Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13004-246014.

Originally a talisman to ward off sickness and noxious odours, this item of jewellery could be worn around the neck or suspended from a belt. The Pomander scent carrier, with chambers for the herbs and spices, was popular in England and on the continent during the 16th and 17th centuries. Intended to protect the wearer from sickness, it was designed to be worn around the neck or waist on a rope by wealthy aristocrats.