Western Asiatic Style Haematite Bead with Figures and Inscription

D-section hoop with enamel panels to the shoulders, arcade to the rectangular bezel with inset table-cut crystal. 2.17 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 16.84 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Harlaxton, Lincolnshire, UK, on Wednesday 17th November 2021. Acquired on the English art market. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (mPAS) report no.LIN-CCA6D4. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13050-248358.

Finger rings with a principal stone and subsidiary settings in separate collets came into use in the early 13th century, and this form of simple collet continued in use until the 15th century. A gold medieval finger ring with a similar bezel, but with subsidiary settings, is recorded on the PAS database (LIN-EC74C7, 2020T819). Other gold finger rings with a principal stone (albeit with subsidiary settings) and similar framed bezel recorded as treasure on the PAS database, including one from Soberton, Hampshire (HAMP-1DCFF0, 2017T156) and Huntingdon district area, CAM-4A8AB6, 2020T089.

Comprising: bearded prophet holding a processional cross; shepherd with crook, ewe and lamb; each hollow to the reverse. 185 grams total, 71-86 mm



Private collection, UK.

Executed in oil and tempera on a slightly curved wooden panel base depicting the Theotokos (Mother of God), the infant Jesus and Saint Rock on a natural background; Mary with head bowed left wearing a red maphorion mantle over a dark blue robe, with elaborate golden saltires on the shoulders and head of the mantle, fine gold brocade to the hem of the blue robe, nursing the child; the infant Jesus facing away to left, supported on Mary's right arm and dressed in gold tunic, wrapped in a red shawl with gold highlights to folds, both hands holding the mother’s breast; the long-haired Saint Rock covered in a black tabarrino marked with his attributes, the red cross, the pilgrim's staff, the scallop shell and the keys, holds his walking stick in his hand; trees and mountain profiles in the background; gilded wooden frame surrounded by a blue indigo border with gold arabesques; from the Veneto-Cretan guild. 857 grams, 32.5 x 27.5 cm



Acquired on the European 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 no. 13065-249292.

The icon presents the type known in Greek as the Galaktotrophousa and in Russia as Mlekopitatelnitsa. Originating from the pagan iconography of Isis nursing Horus, the icon presents the Mother of God nursing the child. As is typical in traditional Orthodox iconography, conscious effort is made to remove the image from reality. That is why Mary’s breast is so oddly depicted and placed near her shoulder — an attempt to avoid any trace of sensuality.