Egypt, Coptic, ca. 19th century CE. A stunning example of Coptic religious art, finely carved from wood and embellished with meticulously rendered bone carvings of the Virgin Mary on an oval panel that when opened reveals another scene skillfully carved from bone depicting the Crucifixion with Christ surrounded by Virgin and Saint John on the inside. The larger wood form presents the Madonna and Saint John flanking an elaborately incised domed cupola. On the verso is a carved profile image of a holy or possibly regal personage that matches that on the verso of the 'door' or cover, and both feature an inscription incised below. Size: 8.625" W x 13.625" H (21.9 cm x 34.6 cm)

Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, California USA collection

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#122171

The Virgin Mary bone carving on outer panel has minor surface fissure on robes. Some loss to upper border of Crucifixion bone carving with expected wear and discoloration to the remainder. Wood is in overall very good condition save a few minor scuffs and hairline age fissures. Upper section may have been reattached to pedestal base at one time; however these were definitely carved separately and may just have a minor gap between them.