Lot 205: A PAIR OF CARVED MOTHER-OF-PEARL JERUSALEM CROSS PLAQUES, BETHLEHEM, 19TH CENTURY

A pair of hand-carved mother-of-pearl (nacre) oval plaques, originating from the workshops of Bethlehem. Each plaque features an intricate pierced openwork (fretwork) design with a central Jerusalem cross, also known as a Crusader’s cross, framed by scrolling foliate and floral borders. The smaller plaque includes a carved banner at the base inscribed BETHLEHEM. Both items are surmounted by carved foliate and floral finials. The reverse of each plaque displays the natural iridescence and convex curvature of the source shell. 

Largest L: 14cm