Statuette of Demeter in Lapis Lazuli

A portable wooden diptych icon depicting Bet Giyorgis on horseback on the left, dressed in red mauve riding coat, green cloak and carrying a shaft with iron head; on the right the Nativity scene with Virgin and the Child escorted by the angels. 562 grams, 20 x 15.5 cm



Acquired on the London art market, 2006. UK private collection.

The presence of angels dressed in western garments, the uncovered head of the Virgin and the swords of the angels, could suggest that the diptych is strongly influenced by Italian Renaissance painters. However, the chopping tool used here is particularly Ethiopian, as is the depiction of the Virgin and Child, lacking the care visible in Ethiopian works copied from Italian paintings. Ethiopian paintings influenced by European art can be split into two groups according to Stanislaw Chojnacki: paintings that directly relate to an identified painting, and paintings which borrow themes and details from Western art. In both, however, the Western forms have been simplified to the Ethiopian mode of expression. The horse harness can suggest dating to 16th-17th century A.D.

A silver memento mori ring with D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders to a facetted bezel, openwork flower bud to each shoulder, incised hatched triangles to the scooped facets above, 'MORS' inscribed to the upper panel, 'SOIFI' to the lower; pale gold insert to central cell engraved with a skull amid entwined snakes. 10.11 grams, 26.62 mm overall, 18.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)

Fine condition. Resized.

Acquired since before 1970. Ex private collection of a West Sussex, UK, collector.

A necklace composed of graduated amethyst beads of facetted type. 99 grams, 42 cm long



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.