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LOT 0366
Stuart Period Gold Memento Mori Ring with Skull and Crossed Bones for Ian Shepherd
DATED 1724 A.D.
7/8 in. (4.60 grams, 22.48 mm overall, 18.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)).
Comprising a D-shaped hoop with foliate and floral decoration, rectangular bezel set with a facetted rock crystal(?) gemstone with a skull and crossed bones beneath the gem; engraved to the inner face 'In˚ Shepherd Obt 20 Jan 1724 æt 62' and a worn maker's mark.
ProvenanceAcquired from a London, UK, auction house.
From a private Bristol, UK, collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13213-249807.
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1961,1202.385, for a similar pattern.
FootnotesThe memento mori jewellery of the 16th-18th centuries served as wearable ‘reminders of mortality’. Typical motifs within this genre included skulls, skeletons, crossbones, hourglasses, coffins, the gravedigger’s pick and shovel, and various other emblems of death and decay.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0366
Stuart Period Gold Memento Mori Ring with Skull and Crossed Bones for Ian Shepherd
Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,900
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Ottoman Empire Silver-Coloured Metal Ring with Red Cabochon
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising a rectangular-section hoop with the shoulders formed as opposing bird-heads, the edge of the bezel decorated with similar motifs and set with a vibrant red cabochon. 8.69 grams, 29.88 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Prior English collection of Mr A.H.D. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by an Ancient Art certificate of authenticity. -
Western Asiatic Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace String
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Composed of cylindrical beads and a lozenge-shaped feature pendant at the centre, restrung. 8.52 grams, 32.5 cm
Ex London, UK, art market 1990s. -
Russian Orthodox Enamelled Bronze Travel Icon with Scenes of the Life of the Prophet Elijah
19th century A.D.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £108
With blue champlevé enamel, depicting scenes of the life of Prophet Elijah: on the bottom right Elijah rolling up his mantle and dividing the waters of the Jordan, in front of his disciple Elisha; on the bottom left Elijah watched over by the Angel; on the top right Elijah ascending to heaven on a Chariot of Fire, assisted by the hand of God; on the left Elijah, covered by his mantle, fed by ravens; frame with blue enamel over gilded pseudo-vegetal decorations. 585 grams, 14.3 cm
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 icon represents the Ascension of the prophet Elijah and other scenes from his life. Elijah is ascending to heaven in a fiery chariot drawn by horses, leaving his mantle to the disciple Elisha, symbolising the transmission of his prophetic mission. Among the great figures of the Bible, the prophet Elijah was one of the most venerated figures in history in Orthodoxy.