ICONASTAS

Fine Russian Art & Antiques From the Renowned London Gallery

Изящное искусство и антиквариат России из прославленной лондонской галереи

WEDNESDAY 1 DECEMBER 2021

We are extremely excited to announce the first of a series of sales of Fine Russian Art & Antiques from the renowned London Gallery - Iconastas.

The Piccadilly Arcade gallery was established by Chris Martin-Zakheim and John Gaze in 1974, specialising in Russian icons, works of art, and antiquities, until it closed its doors in 2018, having cemented a reputation as one of the industry’s leading specialists.

The first auction of a series of sales of Iconastas stock comprises just over one hundred lots, including icons dating from the 14^thto 20^th centuries, soviet porcelain, works of art and propaganda, and will also feature icons from the personal collection of the late Chris Martin-Zakheim, whose premature passing after a brain-tumour diagnosis prompted the gallery’s closure.

Particular highlights of the first sale include two icons formerly in the collection of George Hann (1890-1979), a pioneer of American aviation who assembled one of the world’s finest private collections, previously sold in a landmark auction at Christie’s after his death. He acquired many pieces directly from the Russian State in the 1930s, when the Soviet government sold a great number of artworks from the nation’s important collections. The two icons in this sale bear labels and inventory numbers for the State Tretyakov Gallery.

A large icon of the Mother of God - The George R Hann Collection

^{A Large Icon of the Mother of God - From The George R Hann Collection}

_{An Icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God - From The George R Hann Collection}

Many of the lots in the sale have been photographed alongside a selection of textiles inspired by Russian, Central Asian and Eastern designs, which have been provided by Nathalie Farman-Farma of the design studio Décors Barbares. As well as lending vibrant accents to the catalogue, the colours and designs echo those in the pieces themselves, showing not only that the decorative techniques are still in use today, but also that works of such distinguished heritage can be blended seamlessly into a modern decorative setting.

FORTHCOMING AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

A pair of carved and pierced giltwood Royal doors

£5,000-7,000