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Antique Palestinian Jerusalem Mother Of Pearl Icon Christ Resurrection

Antique Palestinian Jerusalem Mother Of Pearl Icon Christ Resurrection

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Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Minerals: Pre 1900: Item # 1470555

Please refer to our stock # R179 when inquiring.
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Antique, 19th century Mother-of-Pearl Shell Carvings, Palestinian Jerusalem Christian Icon of convex oval form, finely hand carved in low relief with a central raised arch panel depicting the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The exterior finely pierced and carved with vines and floral ornamentation and engraved with in cartouche RESURRECTION. below carved The Franciscan coat of arms within an oval medallion, depicting two arms crossed against the background of a cross. The right arm represents that of Christ, the left that of Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Francis's arm is enclosed in a sleeve, representing the habit he and his followers wore, while Christ's arm is bare.

Shells such as these were sold in the 18th -19th century to Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, where they were carved in relief and pierced by hand by local Palestinian craftsmen. In this way, the shells found their way to Europe and elsewhere during the nineteenth century. Orthodox pilgrims from Russia also carried significant numbers back to Russia and so today the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg has an important collection of such shells and other items manufactured in Palestine from the shells. Many of these were transferred from the Winter Palace and the domestic chapels of other Imperials palaces - they seem to have been presented to the royal family by pilgrims returning from the Holy Land. The Vatican Museum also holds related mother-of-pearl Christian items from the same source.

Please note that this medallion is a museum Quality artwork, and in fact, it could be displayed in the most reputable world museums.

REFERENCES:

1. Pilgrim Treasures from the Hermitage: Byzantium - Jerusalem: Lund Humphries.

2. CHRISTIAN IN THE HOLY LAND – The Art Of Melchites And Other Denominations Of Orthodox Church” Saint Petersburg 1998.

3. El Arte Palestino de Tallar el Nacar by Fabián Jiménez.

Please note that this particular medallion is a museum Quality art work, and in fact, it could be displayed in the most reputable world museums.

We will also provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.

Comparable Mother of Pearl medallions are in the collection of The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Museo Oceanografico di Monaco, and in, The Sergiev Posad State History and Art Museum.

We will provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.

CONDITION: In good condition considering its age, minor chip in pierced vine ornamentation on the right side of the arch panel otherwise in good condition. Free of cracks, repairs, or restorations.

MEASUREMENTS:

Height: 14 cm x 12.9 cm (5.51 inches X 5.08 inches)

Due to the shiny surface of the Mother-of-Pearl, it is difficult to photograph. The pictures do not show the exquisite details of the carving, or the actual sparkling pearl color of the surface.