Russian Embroidered Chalice Cover
17th-18th century A.D. An embroidered fabric chalice cover comprising five squares in a cruciform arrangement; the four panels representing the arms of the cross showing angels within column arches, depicting the four archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel, each dressed in similar fashion but with different facial features; the centre section showing the Crucifixion with Mary on the left and St John on the right; the nimbate figure of Mary dressed in long robes, her right hand raised, Greek inscription 'MR (TH)U' above for Maria Theotokou, Maria the Mother of God; the nimbate St John to the right, dressed in similar fashion, Greek inscription 'S IOU' above for Sanctos Joannou, Saint John, above; Greek inscription 'IS XS' for Jesous Christos, the placard above the head of Jesus inscribed in Slavonic text 'IN(TS)I' for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews; red silk lining to the inside (now detached) with an ownership inscription in Russian 'Transkaya Svati Neka** Monastiira N.11' loosely meaning 'Item 11 from the treasure of the monastery of Saint Nekaya'. 175 grams, 44.5 cm high (17 1/2 in.). UK trade, 2000. Ex central London gallery. Accompanied by a copy of an academic report. The third character on the inscription on the placard above Jesus's head appears to be Slavonic TS for Tsar rather than Greek B for Basileos. The inscription attached to the cross is part of the biblical text, and so derived from Slavonic text, while the description of Mary as the Mother of God is a caption and so with the other captions is derived from traditional Greek works of art. [No Reserve]