- 257
A pair of silver-gilt candlesticks with Armenian inscriptions, Turkey, Istanbul, dated 1214-15/1765-66
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver gilt
the domed petalled bases worked in repoussé with incised details featuring serpahim, with an inscriptive band running along the lower edge, surmounted by a globular neck with en-suite seraphim design, each mounted with a slightly flaring cylindrical tube for holding
Condition
Both in generally good condition, some minor knocks, losses to gilding due to rubbing, some oxidisation, one with missing mount around mouth, as viewed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
'Let the Holy Cross commemorate the sons of Fr. Stepannos of Stampol (Istanbul), the pilgrims to Jerusalem Astvatsatur, Kabriel (Gabriel) and Mikael in front of the door of St. Theotoros (Theodoros) in the year 1215 (in the Armenian calendar-1766 AD)'
'Let this Holy Cross commemorate the pilgrim to Jerusalem Banos (Panos) (who is) the friend of sons of Anna - Mka, Ohanes, Sargis and Jakob - and (let it commemorate) their souls in front of the door of St. Theotoros (Theodoros) in the year 1214 (in the Armenian calendar-1765 AD).'
As indicated by their inscriptions, these two candlesticks were probably made as gifts on behalf of the pilgrims Kabriel and Mikael (named on one), and pilgrims Mka, Ohanes, Sargis and Jakob (named on the other), for their pilgrimage to the door of St. Theotoros in Jerusalem, in 1765-66.
The forms and stylistic features of the candlesticks, parcel silver-gilt with relief decoration centred on Seraphim, are very close to a number of artworks associated with Armenian communities. For example, each base is comparable to a chalice in the Kalfayan Collection (Thessaloniki 2010, no.65), dated 1805, also with an Armenian inscription indicating it was a donation to the church of Galata in Istanbul. Similar chalices are found in a number of collections, from the Benaki Museum in Athens, to the Museum of the Catholicosate, Antelias in Lebanon, demonstrating the presence of Armenian residents or visitors. The central sections, of slightly flaring cylindrical form with a disk in the middle, are comparable to the shafts used on Armenian liturgical fans, a shape which has existed since at least the eleventh century as indicated by a pair attributed to Egypt, eleventh-twelfth century, in the Brooklyn Museum, New York (inv.nos.46.126.1 and 46.126.2, illustrated in New York 2012, pp.72-3, nos.44A,B).
These stylistic attributions suggest that the present pair of candlesticks may have been produced in Egypt or Istanbul as souvenirs for the pilgrims’ journey to Jerusalem. It is also possible that they may have originally been used to carry liturgical crosses or fans which would have been brought to Jerusalem as homage to the Church, and symbolically brought back the bases to be engraved. In any case, these examples present a fascinating insight into early Armenian customs as well as craftsmanship relating to the ritual of pilgrimage.
'Let the Holy Cross commemorate the sons of Fr. Stepannos of Stampol (Istanbul), the pilgrims to Jerusalem Astvatsatur, Kabriel (Gabriel) and Mikael in front of the door of St. Theotoros (Theodoros) in the year 1215 (in the Armenian calendar-1766 AD)'
'Let this Holy Cross commemorate the pilgrim to Jerusalem Banos (Panos) (who is) the friend of sons of Anna - Mka, Ohanes, Sargis and Jakob - and (let it commemorate) their souls in front of the door of St. Theotoros (Theodoros) in the year 1214 (in the Armenian calendar-1765 AD).'
As indicated by their inscriptions, these two candlesticks were probably made as gifts on behalf of the pilgrims Kabriel and Mikael (named on one), and pilgrims Mka, Ohanes, Sargis and Jakob (named on the other), for their pilgrimage to the door of St. Theotoros in Jerusalem, in 1765-66.
The forms and stylistic features of the candlesticks, parcel silver-gilt with relief decoration centred on Seraphim, are very close to a number of artworks associated with Armenian communities. For example, each base is comparable to a chalice in the Kalfayan Collection (Thessaloniki 2010, no.65), dated 1805, also with an Armenian inscription indicating it was a donation to the church of Galata in Istanbul. Similar chalices are found in a number of collections, from the Benaki Museum in Athens, to the Museum of the Catholicosate, Antelias in Lebanon, demonstrating the presence of Armenian residents or visitors. The central sections, of slightly flaring cylindrical form with a disk in the middle, are comparable to the shafts used on Armenian liturgical fans, a shape which has existed since at least the eleventh century as indicated by a pair attributed to Egypt, eleventh-twelfth century, in the Brooklyn Museum, New York (inv.nos.46.126.1 and 46.126.2, illustrated in New York 2012, pp.72-3, nos.44A,B).
These stylistic attributions suggest that the present pair of candlesticks may have been produced in Egypt or Istanbul as souvenirs for the pilgrims’ journey to Jerusalem. It is also possible that they may have originally been used to carry liturgical crosses or fans which would have been brought to Jerusalem as homage to the Church, and symbolically brought back the bases to be engraved. In any case, these examples present a fascinating insight into early Armenian customs as well as craftsmanship relating to the ritual of pilgrimage.