Antique Infant Jesus in Ivory. Spanish Filipino. S. XVIII. With CITES

Gorgeous antique ivory Child Jesus, possibly from Philippines and dated in the early 19th century. This amazing piece comes with its CITES certificate which guarantees it was introduced in Spain before 1947. Though the certificate states that the figure was made in the 19th century, ivory experts have said that it can be dated in the 18th century. It is a beautiful sculpture with solid silver base and crown, remaining in great condition. The piece displays the enormous beauty conferred by its value and ancient age, being the perfect article to decorate a special place. The Child Jesus figure is especially remarkable for its delicate carving work. It is a classic-style image that depicts Child Jesus on a ball (a symbol of the earth globe) reigning over the world. The figure of the naked child shows off a carefully molded surface. The child is lifting his hand in benediction. The face preserves some traces of the ancient polychromy at the eyes, lips and eyebrows. Part of the hair color is also kept. Over the head we can see a solid silver crown; this crown is an attribute of the Divinity and symbolizes the essential qualities of God: Grace, Omnipotence and Omniscience. These crowns are usually made of noble metal and are always located over Jesus Christs head. They started being used by the Byzantine art. In this case, the silver piece is shaped like a crown framed by sunrays and topped with a Greek cross. It is complete and in good condition and boasts a fine embossed decoration. The base on which the Child Jesus figure stands is also made of solid silver. Though the ivory is Spanish, according to the hallmarks the base was made in France. So we cannot rule out the possibility of it being a French piece. It is shaped like a pyramid and stands on four claw legs. One of the sides is decorated with an embossed symbol of God (a radiant triangle on the sky), while the other bears an image of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God, a symbol of Jesus Christ) in gold-plated silver. The other two sides are decorated with embossed motifs depicting bunches of grapes and wheat stalks, symbols of the Eucharistic Wine and Bread. Its amazing beauty, ancient age and material quality turn this antique Ivory Child Jesus into a magnificent, piece, perfect for a great collection of religious art. Measurements: Base: Width: 6.8 in / 18 cm. Depth: 5.6 in / 14 cm. Child Jesus Figures Height: 11.2 in / 28 cm. Total Height: 22 in / 55 cm. Total Weight: 1630 g.