French, Limoges, 13th century

Lempertz Cologne, cat. no. 437, lot 879
Sotheby's London, 8 July 2005, lot 3

There is dirt and wear to the pyx consistent with age. The crucifix and clasp pin are lost. There are losses to the enamelling and there is some craquelure. There are a few small stable fissures to the metal. There is wear to the gilding throughout. There are six copper pins to the underside and the remnants of green paint. There is a joint to the main frieze at the back. There is greening to the interior. Otherwise the condition is good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The decorative scheme adorning the present pyx compares closely with a mid-13th century pyx, also with the christogram, in the Musée du Louvre (inv. no. 32.100.282).

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Taburet-Delahaye and B. Drake Boehm, L'oeuvre de Limoges. Emaux limousins du Moyen Age, exhib. cat. Musée du Louvre and Metropolitan Museum of Art, Paris, 1995, p. 386, no. 139