Ethiopian Portable Wooden Icon with Christ. Mid to late 16th century AD. A portable hinged bifacial wooden icon with a central expanding arm cross carved to one face, within geometric borders, with paintings on the back of the panel and to the inside of the icon; the second face with cross design incorporating five smaller crosses, within geometric borders with paintings to the reverse and to the inside of the icon; tubular suspension loop above.See Chojnacki, S., 'Notes on Art in Ethiopia in the 16th Century: an Enquiry into the Unknown Author(s)' in Journal of Ethiopian Studies, Vol. 9, July 1971, No. 2 pp. 21-97, figs.22,28.64 grams, 95mm (3 3/4"). Ex central London gallery; previously in a UK private collection; acquired in London, UK, in the 1990s.The iconography here follows the tradition of the Gondor period: the central panel, on one side, shows the crucifixion of Christ, flanked by the Virgin Mary and Saint John. The side icon represents Jesus Christ appearing to Saint Abune Tekle Haimanot. On the other side the Nativity, with the Archangels Gabriel and Michael escorting the Mother of God and the Divine Child. The side icon is representing Saint George (Bet Gorgis) on horseback. [No Reserve]