λ A PAINTED MOTHER-OF-PEARL SHELL ICON OF SAINT ANASTASIUS OF PERSIA
Possibly Greece, Ottoman Western Provinces, 18th - 19th century

Of typical rounded shape, set in a copper and white metal filigree frame, the interior painted with the icon of the martyr Saint Anastasius of Persia (Αγιος Αναστασιος ο Περσης), holding a scroll quoting the 13th line of the 13th Chapter of Apostle Paul's Epistle to Hebrews (Τοινυν εξερχόμεθα εξω της παρεμβολής, τον ονειδισμόν αυτού φέροντες), his appliqued halo in white metal inscribed with Greek characters and floral motifs, the back with appliqued crosses all around the edge, together with a double-headed eagle holding a mace and sword, in the centre an appliqued white metal shell, at the top next to the hanging string a repetition of the double-headed eagle and a decorative element on the other side, caparisoned with later paste cameo holders at the bottom, 24.5cm x 17cm.

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