SILVER GILT ICON 'THE MOTHER OF GOD WITH THREE HANDS' AVAC OKLAD Volga region, mid 19th century Oklad: silver, chasing, engraving, gilding Hallmarks: Master goldsmith's hallmark in Cyrillic 'IU' for Ivan Ivanov Udalov (1859-1909), master assayer's hallmark in Cyrillic 'A.K' above the date 1860 for Koudrine Alexandre Stakhiév (1854-1865); '84' silver hallmark and coat of arms of the city of Nijni Novgorod (stag in a shield); inscription in Cyrillic 'Weight 103 1/9 zolotniks' which is equivalent to about 440 gr. wood, levkas, gold leaf, tempera 30.2 x 24.8 cm Condition: generally good, some retouching and loss of paint, oklad without restoration, minor deformation and loss of some rays on the crown. The 'Mother of God with Three Hands' ('Troeruchnitsa') is a miraculous image before which Saint John Damascene was healed of his severed hand. As a sign of gratitude for his healing, John Damascene affixed a silver hand to the icon, hence the name given to the icon. The oklad impresses with its voluminous and refined decoration. The icon is of great interest to collectors. At the buyer's request, we will be happy to provide a general condition report on the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to carry out their own inspection or consult a specialist of their choice for a full assessment of the condition of the lot. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD 'AS IS' IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.