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LOT 0364
Spanish Gold Ring with a Table-Cut Red Spinel
16TH-17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.93 grams, 24.30 mm overall, 17.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2 , USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)).
A substantial ring with a box-shaped bezel set with a table-cut red spinel of deep purplish-red hue, the reverse of the bezel convex with chamfered ends.
ProvenancePrivate English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
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.12996-245986.
The box bezel is typical of both Spanish and Islamic goldsmithing traditions. The small pointed projection at the rear of the hoop, however, is not a common feature in Spanish rings but is a distinctive hallmark of Islamic goldwork — a form ultimately rooted in Middle Eastern traditions of the Sasanian, Fatimid, and Mamluk periods. This detail likely reached Spain through the transmission of techniques from the Middle East into Islamic North Africa, and subsequently into the goldsmithing repertoire of al-Andalus. These forms were adapted by Spanish goldsmiths to accommodate the tastes of a Christian clientele, reflecting the deep and enduring influence of Islamic craftsmanship in post-Reconquista Spain.
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AUCTIONS:
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Painted Wooden Icon with the Virgin of Tenderness
Russia, 16th-17th centuries A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Executed in oil and tempera with painted image of nimbate Mary embracing the nimbate infant Jesus; head of Mary with gilded nimbus and russet-coloured veil; the Virgin is shown in half length, wearing a red-gold fringed maphorion with elaborate golden saltires on the shoulders, over a dark blue robe, visible only on the gold embroidered cuffs; the child touching his mother's chin, holding a furled scroll in his left hand and dressed in blue tunic and wrapped in a gold-orange shawl; on upper left of the Virgin’s head Greek inscriptions 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' (Μήτηρ (τοῦ) Θεοῦ = Mother of God) and beside the Divine Child inscription in Greek letters 'ΙϹ ΧϹ' (ΙΗϹΟΥϹ ΧΡΙϹΤΟϹ = Jesus Christ); inside the nimbus of Christ three letters (only two visible) representing the continuous divine self-existence of Christ as God (O ѾN = The Only One who always exists); rectangular wooden board with mounting slots and bar to reverse. 1.78 kg, 45 x 35.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12928-246333.
This splendid specimen comes most probably from an ancient private aristocratic Russian household. It has a superb quality and consists in a refined representation of the Mother of God known as Eleousa (Umilyenie in Russian), in which the Virgin tenderly embraces the Christ Child. Characterised by an affectionate embrace of Mary and the Christ Child, the image combines the themes of maternal love and the Passion of Christ. -
Russian Silver-Gilt Cross Pendant
21st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Cross pommy pendant with monogram of an evangelist to each arm and central chi-rho christogram; reverse with geometric and other ornament. 7.81 grams, 45 mm
From the private collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the early 2000s. -
Lead Gaming Dice
17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Cuboid with punched pellet markings disposed 1:6, 2:4, 3:5. 24.9 grams, 14 mm
From the private collection of Colin Narbeth, UK, 1990s, with collection reference no.128.
