SOLD Antique, 19th century (1830s-1860s), Mother-of-Pearl Large Shell Carvings, Palestinian 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 pierced and carved with vines.

Shells such as these were sold 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.

REFERENCES:

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

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

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

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

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.

CONDITION: In very good condition, free of cracks, or restorations.

MEASUREMENTS: He: 15.5 cm x 15.5 cm (6.1 inches 6.1 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.