A PAIR OF ARMENIAN SILVER-GILT LITURGICAL FANS, TURKEY, 18TH CENTURY

The shape and decorative scheme of these liturgical fans has existed since at least the eighth century as indicated by a pair attributed to Egypt, eight-ninth century, in the Brooklyn Museum, New York (inv.nos. 46.126.1 and 46.126.2, illustrated in New York 2012, pp.72-3, nos.44A,B). The present pair of liturgical fans were probably produced in Turkey as souvenirs for the pilgrims’ journey to Jerusalem, or to bring to Jerusalem as homage to the Church. Seraphim rank highest in the traditional hierarchy of angels, and as such are closest to God, as demonstrated by their missing bodies. In any case, these examples present a fascinating insight into early Armenian customs as well as craftsmanship relating to the ritual of pilgrimage. These are related to a pair of candlesticks, parcel silver-gilt with relief decoration centred on Seraphim with an Armenian dedicatory inscription, offered in these rooms, 22 April 2015, lot 257.