AN ARMENIAN REPOUSSÉ SILVER VASE WITH CHRISTIAN ICONOGRAPHY
Armenia, Ottoman Eastern Provinces, 18th century

Of pyriform shape, with a globular body resting on a short, straight foot, rising to a flared, ringed neck with everted scalloped rim, the exterior a tour de force of chased and repoussé decoration featuring clear iconographic links to the Christian faith including escutcheon-shaped cartouches filled with two enthroned figures, their attires and headpieces reminiscent of Orthodox bishops, two further figures on horseback, one holding a spear, possibly a Christian paladin, and the latter a large crucifix, all figures set against ring-punched ground surrounded by lush grape bunches stemming from scrolling vine trellis, around the ring on the neck two friezes of lobed palmettes or seashells, the neck with oval medallions filled with naked dancers holding small drinking cups, 658gr., 27cm high.

This vase was most probably conceived as a drinking vessel in the Armenian community living in the Eastern Ottoman provinces and is profusely decorated with symbolical Christian iconography. A strong emphasis is given to the vine trellis and grapes, a symbol of resilience, growth, and spread, connected metaphorically not only to the propagation and diffusion of the Christian message around the world but also to the figure of Christ himself, as illustrated in Medieval and Renaissance images of Christ in the Winepress and in the Last Supper, and the link between his blood and wine.

The icon of the knight rider on horseback is reminiscent of St. George (Gevorg or Kevork) in terms of style and design, a figure prominent in Armenia and present in many metal vessels produced in the region. Accompanied by men of faith wearing tall headdresses and holding typical Christian objects, St. George is shown here with a long spear but without the dragon, his fierce opponent. The overall tone of the iconographic program of this vase is celebratory and positive, removing all possible negative features and focusing on ideals of victory, resilience, and joyful abundance.

Two Armenian silver repoussé and enamelled vessels, a dish and a bowl, showing analogous figural decorations and attributed to early 18th-century Ottoman Turkey, were successfully sold at Christie's London, 20 October 2016, lot 160, and 26 October 2017, lot 218.