Western Asiatic Gilt and Silvered Wire Calligraphic Bed or Table Cover

Rectangular fabric cover with embroidered calligraphic text, bands of flowers and tendrils and other detailing, executed in gold- and silver-coloured threads. 470 grams, 98 x 159 cm



Private collection, UK.

Slender hoop with cell set with a carnelian intaglio of Cupid driving a chariot pulled by two swans; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.62 grams, 22.03 mm overall, 18.31 x 16.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Representing the Saviour on the cross, the titulum inscribed with the letters 'ΙC ΧΡ' (Jesus Christ); Cyrillic inscriptions over the sun (Солнце) and the moon (Луна), flanking Jesus and above the heads of the figures: Mary of Magdala (Мария Магдала), the Mother of God ('ΜΡ ϴΥ'), Saint John the Theologian (Св Иоанн) and Saint Longinus (Св Лонгин); on the background the symbols of the Passion (sponge on reed, spear and a skull set on stones marking the site as Golgotha, twisted cords or wire, skan) and the city of Jerusalem; on the upper part of the cross the Archangels Michael and Gabriel with cloth-covered hands, the Mandylion above them. 270 grams, 16.6 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.

Orthodox travel icons were used by the faithful to carry a sacred representation with them during their journeys, offering protection and a constant spiritual connection. The icon features meticulous craftsmanship with intricate details of the Passion and Death of the Saviour, according to the Byzantine iconography.