Antique Palestinian Jerusalem Mother-of-Pearl Icon Holy Family Flight into Egypt 19th century Palestine.

An antique mother-of-pearl shell Christian icon originated in Palestinian Jerusalem and was crafted in the 19th century. 
 
The icon depicts the story of the Flight into Egypt, a significant event in Christian tradition. The story is told in the form of a finely hand-carved low relief, depicting Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus on a journey through the desert on their way to Egypt. The delicately carved details of the landscape, the clothing, and the expressions on the figures' faces make this piece a true work of art. 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, local Palestinian craftsmen in the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem created beautiful shells that Christian pilgrims highly valued. These shells were sold to the pilgrims, who carried them back to Europe and other parts of the world as souvenirs. The shells were not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also held religious significance for the pilgrims. 

Orthodox pilgrims from Russia also carried significant numbers back to Russia. Today, the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg has an important collection of shells and other items manufactured in Palestine from the shells. Many of these were transferred from the Winter Palace and the domestic chapels of other imperial palaces - they have been presented to the royal family by pilgrims returning from the Holy Land. The Vatican Museum also holds related mother-of-pearl Christian items from the same source.

Please note that this medallion is a museum-quality artwork, and in fact, it could be displayed in the most reputable world museums.

REFERENCES:
1. "Christians in the Holy Land: the Art of the Melchites and Other Denominations of Orthodox Church", Saint Petersburg 1998.
2. "Pilgrim Treasures from the Hermitage: Byzantium - Jerusalem" by Vincent Boele, Yuri Piatnitsky, Vera Zalesskaya.
Comparable Mother of Pearl medallions are in The State Hermitage Museum collection in Saint Petersburg, the Museo Oceanografico di Monaco, and The Sergiev Posad State History and Art Museum in Moscow.
We will provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references and a certificate of authenticity.

CONDITION: It is in good condition considering its age. Free of cracks, repairs, or restorations.

MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 13 cm x 12.2 cm (5.12 inches X 4.8 inches)

NOTE: Mother-of-pearl is a natural material known for its iridescent and luminous surface, making it ideal for various decorative and ornamental purposes. However, due to the material's reflective and shiny nature, capturing its true beauty in photographs can be challenging. The photographs may not accurately depict the exquisite details of the intricate carvings or the actual color of the surface.