Lot 98: AN OTTOMAN ARMENIAN SILVER REPOUSSE SNUFF BOX OR RELIQUARY WITH RELIGIOUS ICONOGRAPHY, 19TH CENTURY

AN OTTOMAN ARMENIAN SILVER REPOUSSE SNUFF BOX OR RELIQUARY WITH RELIGIOUS ICONOGRAPHY, 19TH CENTURY

A small rectangular silver box constructed with a hinged lid, featuring extensive repoussé and chased decoration. The exterior of the lid is decorated with a complex pattern of scrolling foliage and blossoms within a decorative border. The sides of the box display a repeating architectural motif of rounded arches, each containing a small four-petalled flower. The interior of the lid reveals a finely chased religious scene depicting the Virgin and Child seated centrally and flanked by two standing angels, rendered in a ecclesiastical manner. The base features a central rectangular panel containing a vase of flowers within a beaded border. This central panel is surrounded by a wide border containing a chased inscription in Armenian script. The inscription reads ՅԻՇԱՏԱԿԷՍՈՒՐԲ along the top, ՊԵՏՐՈՍ on the right side, ԻՈՎՀԱՆՆԷՍԻՆ along the bottom, and ՅՈՎՀԱՆՆԷՍԻ on the left side. The text translates as ‘In memory of’ and includes the names ‘Petros’ and ‘Hovhannes’.

L: 5.5cm, Weight: 41g