Tudor Period Bronze Ring with Centaur

The Virgin holding the infant Christ, gesturing towards him with her right hand, wearing a carmine red maphorion embellished with golden pearled embroidery, elaborate cuffs and neckline to the himation; Christ making the blessing sign with his hand, the green chiton and orange himation embellished with red folds; both figures nimbate within a shallow recess and framed by a red border, inscription 'ΜΡ ΘΥ' for 'Mother of God' flanking the Virgin's halo, 'IC XC' for 'Jesus Christ' over the Child’s head; winged nimbate ‘Angel of God’ and nimbate Saint Matrona in rectangular panels on either side; split and repaired. 896 grams, 31.2 cm



Ex French gallery, Paris.

For the Orthodox believers, the Mother of God (Theotokos) carries a special meaning. The believers relate to her as a mother who suffered and lived through the death of her son, a figure not only of love and compassion, but also of fortitude and sacrifice.

Comprising: one with an openwork D-shaped plaque, tendril and leaf detail with inset cloisons of ruby, sapphire, tourmaline and glass, penannular hoop with disc terminals, stamped 'ɅΦɅ' and other marks to the ring and shank; one with openwork triangular plaque with scrolled tendrils and central ropework star, pierced lobe finial, penannular hoop with lobe terminals, stamped lozenge to the lobe finial and others to the hoop. 20.8 grams total, 57-80 mm



Acquired 1970s. Ex property of an Essex, UK, collector.

The stones set in the D-shaped plaque are a mixture of gem cuts from several time periods, the earliest being Tudor. It is likely that they are the silversmith's accumulation from several pieces of older jewellery broken down for their metal and stones.

In green, clear and aqua glass including 'Weaver Plumstead', 'Ive Bros Henley', 'Woodhead's Canonbury Minerals' and other types. 3.5 kg total, 17-24 cm high



Acquired UK market. Ian Roper collection.