An important Armenian Gold Repoussé Bowl with Enamel Overlay, Kayseri, Turkey, early 18th Century

of shallow rounded form with a central domed boss with cathedral design, decorated throughout with figural scenes, pillars with scrolling arches, wheat sheaves, vines and birds in repoussé with areas of enamel overlay 

good condition with a 2cm crack at ten o'clock, loss to the enamelling associated with age, as viewed
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The iconography on this dish is purposefully Armenian, superbly executed and for a very unique personality in the history of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the person of Patriarch Grigor Shirvantsi (1715-1749).

The iconography is specifically and definitely Armenian, although it does not have the customary inscription.  Two iconic images are depicted, the first of which, inside the upper rim of the bowl, is the conversion of Armenia to Christianity in 301/314.  The image of the three figures represents St. Gregory the Enlightener in full Episcopal vestments, crozier in hand, blessing the kneeling Queen Ashkhen, behind whom stands King Trdat wearing a crown.  The consecration scene is bathed in light emanating from the Holy Spirit above St. Gregory's head. 

The second image, in the lower rim of the bowl, depicts the establishment of the Armenian alphabet in 406 by the priest Mesrop Mashtots.  The figures represent the Armenian saints Catholicos Sahak Partev I (387-436, with Episcopal crozier), St. Mesrop vardapet Mashtots (362-440, with pen in hand and T-shaped doctoral staff) and St. Gregory of Narek (951-1003), the famous mystic poet and monk.  Together with St. Nerses Shnorhali (1101-1173) these saints are collectively known as the 'Translators', and the Armenian Church celebrates their feast each year in October.  The church depicted in the roundel is that of St James's, Jerusalem, in the walled Armenian quarter of the Old City.

This bowl was very likely made for the famous Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, Grigor Shirvantsi (called Shghtayakir, 'The Chainbearer', 1715-1749) by Armenian silversmiths in Kayseri.  For a piece of similar workmanship compare the Armenian gold pyx in the Calouste Gulbekian Museum in Lisbon, whilst the image of the Translators can be found on a Kütahya tile now in the Department of Oriental Antiquities in the British Museum.  See Nersessian 2000 and C.J.F. Dowsett, 'An Armenian gold pyx (Kayseri, A.D. 1687)', Revue des Etudes Armeniennes, VII, 1970, pp.171-186. 

We are grateful to Dr. Vrej Nersessian for his assistance in the cataloguing of this lot.