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Sale Number: 241
Illustrations
Front cover: Lot 131
Back cover: Lot 329
Antiquities Department
Dr Raffaele D'Amato (Head of Department)
Heather L. Godfrey, MA, FRNS (Cataloguer)
Stephen Pollington (Cataloguer)
Consultants
Professor Neritan Ceka (Classical & General Antiquities)
Professor Livio Zerbini (Classical Archaeology & Roman Epigraphy)
Dr Ronald Bonewitz (Antiquities & Geological)
Dr Manuel Ceccarelli (Western Asiatic Antiquities)
Dr Robert Chandler (Paleontology)
Dr Brian Gilmour (Arms & Armour & General Antiquities)
Dr Ittai Gradel (Classical & General Antiquities)
Dr Malcolm Jones (Medieval & Later Antiquities)
Dr Alberto Pollastrini (Egyptian & Associated Antiquities)
Dr Laura Proffitt (Classical & General Antiquities)
Dr Laura Vigna (Ancient Jewellery, Ceramics & Marble)
Peter Clayton, FCILIP, Dip, Arch, FSA, FRNS (Egyptian)
Richard Falkiner, FSA (Jewellery & General Antiquities)
Michael Howgate, B.Sc. M.Sc. PGCE FLS (Natural History)
Peter Bufton (Far Eastern, Islamic & Ethnographic)
Stephen Pollington (Anglo-Saxon & Viking Antiquities)
Thomas Sturm, MA (Cylinder Seals)
Richard Roy (Ancient Americas)
Michaela Simonova, MA (Mesoamerica, Viking & Religious)
Amin Rezai (Western Asiatic & General Antiquities)
Mehdy Shaddel (Western Asiatic & Islamic Antiquities)
Paul Whelan, MA (Egyptian Antiquities)
Stefany Tomalin (Beads & Associated Jewellery)
Dane Kurth (Greek & Roman Coins & Antiquities)
Joseph Hubbard (Natural History)
For further information and biographies see: www.timelineauctions.com
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Chief Executive Officer: Brett Hammond, FRSA
Chief Operating Officer: Aaron Hammond
Head of Administration: Tanja Maijala
Client Account Manager: Lisa Fricker
Admin Assistant: Law Yuen Ying
Catalogue Production & Layout
Damir & Davor Radic
DRs d.o.o.
1
EGYPTIAN WOODEN FACE MASK PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 332-30 B.C.
10⅞ in. (509 grams, 27.5 cm).
With carved and painted facial details, fixed to a wooden board with pegs. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
2
EGYPTIAN WOODEN MUMMY FACE MASK
LATE DYNASTIC PERIOD, AFTER 500 B.C.
10⅞ in. (716 grams, 27.5 cm).
Triangular in form with carved facial detailing, thick tousled hair, full lips; pierced in four places for attachment. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.GR.9.1887. 3
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE BEAD MUMMY MASK WITH COLLAR ‡ LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
10⅞ x 11¼ in. (556 grams, 27.5 x 28.5 cm).
Comprising a restrung panel of small glazed composition beads in various colours representing a mummy face mask with false beard and collar; framed and glazed.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection of Mr & Ms François & Marion Reber - Burki, Rue des Beaux-Arts 10, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Collected in the first part of 20th century by Mr F. Burki, father of Ms Marion Reber.
4
EGYPTIAN WOODEN DIORAMA WITH MODEL MAKERS 11TH-12TH DYNASTY, 2023-1862 B.C.
7⅛ in. (436 grams, 18 cm).
Rectangular wooden base supporting two opposed crouching figures each holding a tool (axe, chisel) in one hand, working on a model boat; the figures wearing white linen kilts and with carefully painted hair and facial features.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the 1960s.
From the collection of the late Egyptologist Surgeon Commander PHK Gray RN.
From a Surrey, UK, collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11832-207092.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Taylor, J.H., Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt, London, 2001, pp.99103, for discussion.
FOOTNOTES:
Crafted for the tomb to accompany the deceased and provide for him in the afterlife.
5
EGYPTIAN BRONZE PER-MEDJED OXYRHYNCHUS FISH ‡ LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
4⅛ in. (271 grams, 10.6 cm).
The fish displayed atop a shrine on a hollow rectangular base; attached by ventral and pectoral fins, remains of forked tail; dorsal ridge; tapering nose; recessed circular eyes; horned sun disc headdress with coiled cobra to base; figure of a worshipping priest kneeling beneath.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1990.
Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11833-206796.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number EA65682, for a comparable example; Tiribilli, E., The bronze figurines of the Petrie Museum from 2000 BC to AD 400, London, 2018, p.229, for discussion.
FOOTNOTES:
Per-Medjed is the ancient Egyptian name of the main cult centre of this type of fish (Mormyrus kannume). The Greeks called the cult centre Oxyrhynchus Polis (meaning 'Town of the sharp-snouted fish'). In ancient Egyptian religion, these sacred fish were believed to have consumed the penis of the god Osiris after his brother Set had dismembered and scattered his body. Statuettes such as this are associated with Isis and Hathor.
6
EGYPTIAN FISHTAIL FLINT KNIFE
CIRCA 3650-3300 B.C.
4¾ in. (142 grams total, 12 cm including stand).
Knapped bifacial tan knife with fishtail butt to receive a hilt; the rounded tip tapering and flaring along the edges; with a custom-made display stand.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Collection of Maurice Bouvier, Alexandria, Egypt, then in Switzerland from 1959; thence by descent.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11834-207726.
LITERATURE: See Berman, Lawrence M., Catalogue of Egyptian Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, 1999, Nos.62-64, for similar examples.
PUBLISHED: Page-Gasser, M. & Wiese, A.B., Égypte, Moments d'éternité, exhibition catalogue, Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Musée Rath, Geneva, 1997-1998, n° 9B.
EXHIBITED: Égypte, Moments d'éternité, Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig, 18 March-13 July 1997; Musée Rath, Geneva, 26 September 1997-11 January 1998.
FOOTNOTES: Many of these superbly crafted knives are attributed to the Naqada II period (c.3500-c.3200 BC), in Upper Egypt. They were normally used in the Opening of the Mouth ceremony.
7
EGYPTIAN KNAPPED FLINT AXEHEAD
LOWER PALAEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 400,000 B.P.
5⅛ in. (390 grams total, 13 cm including stand).
A very thick, almost domed flint hand axe or heavy scraper formed on a blade core with the perimeter edges finely knapped; with illegible label and custom-made display stand.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE: From the collection of Robert De Rustafjell (1876-1943), acquired in Thebes prior to 1909.
Deaccessioned from The Heckscher Museum of Art, Long Island, NY. Private New Jersey collection.
PUBLISHED: De Rustafjaell, R., The Stone Age in Egypt: A Record of Recently Discovered Implements and Products of Handicraft of the Archaic Nilotic Races Inhabiting the Thebaid, New York, 1914, object 243.
8 EGYPTIAN CALCITE JAR ‡ EARLY DYNASTIC PERIOD, 2900-2350 B.C.
4⅝ in. (746 grams, 11.8 cm).
Carved from 'Egyptian alabaster' or marble, squat-bodied with a broad, rounded shoulder and narrow flat base, short neck and everted rim, four pierced lugs to the shoulders incorporated into a circumferential band of engraved cross-hatching.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE: From a British collection, acquired in 1993.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11835-206783.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, object number 2008.051.001, for a very similar example.
EGYPTIAN
Depicting a naked male figure crouching right, wearing a head cap and lifting an amphora over his head, pouring its liquid contents out behind him; with pecking defacing; repaired.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE: Ex T.C. collection, Martigny, Switzerland.
Acquired in Europe before 1994.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11836-206814.
LIMESTONE FIGURAL TEMPLE RELIEF ‡ LATE NEW KINGDOM, 1293-1060 B.C. 10 in. (1.2 kg, 25.6 cm).10
EGYPTIAN PAINTED LIMESTONE HIEROGLYPHIC SHABTI
LATE NEW KINGDOM, CIRCA 1000 B.C.
4⅜ in. (95.8 grams, 11.2 cm).
With remains of pigmented tripartite wig, face and upper body, with frontal column of hieroglyphic text with black fill and red borders, dedicating the shabti to 'The God's Father (a priestly title), Iru-iry(?)'.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA8710.
11
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE USHABTI OF A PRINCE ‡ LATE NEW KINGDOM, 1279 -1213 B.C.
4½ in. (5⅛ in.) (55 grams, 11.6 cm (159 grams total, 13 cm high including stand)).
Decorated using turquoise glaze and painted face, collar and hand detailing, wearing short wig and Sidelock of Youth (typical of a Sem priest); column of hieroglyphs to the lower body reading 'King's son, Sem priest of Ptah Khaemwaset, true of voice'; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the London art market, early-1980s. Private European collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11837-206506.
12
LARGE EGYPTIAN COMPOSITION SHABTI FOR PA-DI-OSIRIS
LATE PERIOD, 26TH-30TH DYNASTY, 664-343 B.C.
7¾ in. (9¼ in.) (248 grams, 19.5 cm high (410 grams total, 23.5 cm high including stand)).
Of mummiform type and decorated with a blue-green glaze; inscribed for a priest named Pa-di-Osiris, whose mother’s name is Sed-irt-binut; the shabti wearing a striated tripartite wig and long plaited divine beard; holding a pick in the left hand, the right hand holding a hoe and the cord of a seed bag hanging over his left shoulder; the face expertly modelled with carefully rendered cosmetic lines around the eyes, narrow eyebrows, and slightly smiling lips giving it a serene expression characteristic of the finest ushabtis of the period; standing on an integral plinth from which a plain back pillar terminating at the base of the wig extends; twelve horizontal rows of hieroglyphic inscription, the Sixth Chapter of the Book of the Dead; accompanied by a custom-made display base.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the Geneva art market, 1980. Swiss collection, early 1980s until 2000. UK private collection, 2000.
Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11802-206400.
LITERATURE:
Cf. National Museums Liverpool, accession number M13871, for a similar shabti with different dedication; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 16.9.1, for a shabti of comparable form.
FOOTNOTES:
The epithet 'true of voice' following the mother’s name, but not that of the owner, is a rather infrequent arrangement in shabti/ushabti inscriptions but can be found on other fine examples from this period. Pa-di-Osiris’s title is unusual, but may belong to the cult of the god Shu whose name is sometimes followed by the epithet, 'he who supports heaven'. The text contains Schneider’s version VIIA of The Book of the Dead Chapter 6.
For
payable in addition
final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
13
LARGE EGYPTIAN BRONZE
HEAD OF A CAT
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C. 8½ in. (629 gram total, 21.5 cm high including stand).
Modelled sleek and muscular in the round, the ears and eyes alert creating a dignified expression; piercings through the ears; hollowformed; mounted on a custom-made display base.
£7,000 - 9,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired from a French dealer, 1965. Swiss private collection.
UK private collection, 1993.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11838-206398.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum numbers EA25565 and EA64391 for comparable examples; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 86.1.80 and 56.16.1, for similar.
FOOTNOTES:
Possibly intended as a container for the mummified remains of a cat, or from a statuette of the goddess Bastet. The feline's pierced ears likely once held earrings or other ornaments. In ancient Egypt, cats were the sacred animal of the goddess Bastet; such objects were often given as donations at her temples.
14
EGYPTIAN CARNELIAN PAPYRUS STALK AMULET ‡
LATE NEW KINGDOM, 1550-1060 B.C.
1⅛ in. (2.01 grams, 28 mm).
Polished and pierced for suspension.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1993.
15
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE PAPYRUS STALK AMULET ‡
LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.
2⅜ in. (9.05 grams, 62 mm).
With stylised incised lotus petal detailing to base and neck; suspension loop.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection Emil Saad, Paris-Alexandria.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 10.130.1818, for similar.
16
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE FISH AMULET WITH HIEROGLYPHS SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1650 B.C.
⅞ in. (5.43 grams, 23 mm).
Green glazed composition plaque with two tilapia fish placed têtebêche, two groups of hieroglyphs to the underside.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 54(h).
17
EGYPTIAN BRIGHT BLUE FAIENCE WEDJAT EYE RING ‡ NEW KINGDOM, 1550-1060 B.C. 1 in. (1.50 grams, 23.93 mm overall, 19.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7½, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
The openwork bezel with simple detailing, supported by a hoop with convex outer and carinated inner faces.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1992.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11839-206505.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Friedman, F.D., Gifts of the Nile. Ancient Egyptian Faience, London, 1998, p.123, no.106, for a similar openwork ring.
FOOTNOTES:
Representing the eye of the god Horus, the Wedjat eye combined the human and falcon eye. The eye symbolises the powers of healing and rebirth, which worn about one's person offered protection to the wearer and the power of regeneration.
18
EGYPTIAN LIMESTONE RELIEF WITH BOUND ASIATIC CAPTIVE NEW KINGDOM, 19TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 1250 B.C. 14¾ in. (14.5 kg, 37.5 cm high).
Sub-rectangular with keyhole-shaped aperture to the lower right edge; low-relief figure in profile wearing a tunic with circular neckline, bobbed hair swept behind the ears, sharp facial features with short goatee beard; bands of vertical fluting.
£7,000 - 9,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11830-207550.
LITERATURE: See Spalinger, A.J., Historical Observations on the Military Reliefs of Abu Simbel and Other Ramesside Temples in Nubia, in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology Vol. 66, 1980; see also a similar image of a Syrian prisoner from the temple of Ramesses III at Tell el Yahudiyeh, in Caubet, A., Egyptian & Near Eastern Faience at the Louvre, in Minerva, September/October 2005, pp.8-10, fig.7.
FOOTNOTES:
The features and hairstyle of the figure resemble closely those of Asiatic captives shown on the outer wall of the temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel, Egypt. It is likely that the Egyptian artists from the time of Thutmose III onwards had frequent opportunities to observe the foreigners who came, or were brought into Egypt. It is likely that the Egyptian artists were interested in differentiating the various peoples encountered by the armies on their campaigns northward during the New Kingdom. The remains of a circular aperture behind the figure probably indicates that the slab was re-used as a grindstone or a door pivot in ancient times.
19
EGYPTIAN BRONZE ATEF CROWN FEATHER FROM A LIFE-SIZED STATUE
LATE PERIOD, CIRCA 664-332 B.C.
13¼ in. (1.2 kg total, 33.5 cm high including stand).
The ostrich feather with deep recessed cells, likely once inlaid, and a tapering mounting lug to one side; mounted on a custom-made display stand; remnants of gilding.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Seward Kennedy collection, acquired 1960s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11840-207822.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 53.76.2, for a broadly similar object; Tribally, E., The bronze figurines of the Petrie Museum from 2000 BC to AD 400, London, 2018, pp.288-290, for similar examples.
FOOTNOTES:
This large feather would have been attached to a wooden statue of Osiris. The Atef crown identified Osiris, god of the underworld, in Ancient Egyptian symbolism. The two ostrich feathers adorning the crown represent truth, justice, morality, equilibrium and the cult centre of Osiris in Abydos. The ostrich feather was also associated with Ma'at.
20
EGYPTIAN BRONZE STATUETTE OF ISIS IN LACTANS POSE
LATE DYNASTIC PERIOD, 664-343 B.C.
7⅛ in. (360 grams total, 18 cm including stand).
The goddess modelled seated in anthropomorphic form, nursing her infant son Horus and wearing the horned crown; repaired; mounted on a 1920s type custom-made display stand.
£1,800 - 2,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s onwards.
Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private collection of Benjamin Hyde-Smith, Hertfordshire, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Tiribilli, E., The bronze figurines of the Petrie Museum from 2000 BC to AD 400, London, 2018, p.242, no.349, for similar.
21
EGYPTIAN ALABASTER TRUSSED DUCK
OLD KINGDOM, 6TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 2345-2181 B.C. 4¾ in. (354 grams, 12.2 cm (893 grams total including stand)).
Carved dressed and ready for consumption, with a plump, stylised form, head and neck resting along the animal's breast, simple linear incising delineating two folded wings to either side, circular recesses for eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand; cleaned. £10,000 - 14,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired before 1970. Private French collection. with Bonhams, New Bond Street, London, 29 April 2009, lot 58. Ex Middle Eastern royal family, living in the UK, 2013-2017.
Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.099505. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11841-206397.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 11.666, for similar; and Basel Museum, Switzerland; for examples of model offerings cf. D'Auria S., Mummies and Magic - The Funerary Arts of Ancient Egypt, Boston, 1988, p.93, fig.25.
EGYPTIAN STEATITE APOTROPAIC PATAIKOS DWARF AMULET FIGURE ‡
SAITE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.
2⅜ in. (27 grams, 60 mm high).
Carved naturalistically in the round with a scarab beetle to the top of the naked figure's bald head; repaired; accompanied by an old customised collector's box.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired before 1994.
Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11842-206821.
23
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE ISIS AMULET ‡ LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
2 in. (4.87 grams, 52 mm).
Striding on a rectangular base, right arm held by her side, the other wrapped around her torso; wearing a modius of cobras topped by a horned sun disc; turquoise glaze; with reverse suspension loop.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1998.
24
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE AMULET WITH THOTH AS IBIS AND MAAT ‡ LATE NEW KINGDOM-LATE PERIOD, 1550-332 B.C.
1⅝ in. (22 grams total, 43 mm wide including stand).
On a wedge-shaped base and decorated in turquoise glaze; suspension loop on the neck of the bird; collector's inventory number E509' on the underside; accompanied by a custom-made display base.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex Reine Margot, 1973. Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, p.25, fig.21f, for similar.
FOOTNOTES:
In the judgment of the dead (Book of the Dead saying 125), Thoth, who is often represented in ibis form, records the result of weighing the heart of the deceased. The god is therefore mostly depicted in connection with the goddess Maat, whose feather was used as a counterbalance to the purity of the heart; such amulets were thus aimed at protecting the deceased from failing in the decision of the court of the dead.
25
EGYPTIAN SILVER BASTET CAT GODDESS ‡ LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
½ in. (1¼ in.) (1.27 grams, 13 mm high (6.02 grams total, 33 mm including stand)).
Modelled seated on an oblong base; accompanied by a custom-made display base.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex Mrs Zimmermann Koutoulakis, December 1977.
Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.
For
addition
the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
EGYPTIAN BASALT TORSO OF NAOPHOROUS LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
9⅞ in. (5.2 kg total, 25 cm high including stand).
Carved in the round depicting a male carrying a rectangular shrine intended to hold a figure of a goddess; arms and upper chest bare, strap to the chest to support an apron, dorsal pillar to the reverse; accompanied by a custom-made stand.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of Danish furniture designer Ole Wanscher (1903-1985). Ole Wanscher was a leading figure of the Scandinavian Design movement. Wanscher was inspired by ancient designs, and one of his most famous creations, the 'Egyptian Stool', was based on folding chairs from Egypt's New Kingdom.
This piece is visible in the background of a photo of Wanscher in his office, circa 1960.
Accompanied by a copy of the photo of Wanscher in his office, circa 1960. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11843-207728.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar complete figure in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.EA41517.
EGYPTIAN PAINTED WOODEN MUMMY MASK ‡
4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
14 in. (677 grams, 36 cm).
Displaying semi-naturalistic detailing in relief, beneath a band of headdress ornament composed of rows of architectural dot-and-dash and zig-zag patterns over a segmental panel, possible hieroglyphs to the top tier; attachment pegs to the sides of the face and through the head; extensive remains of painted black pigmentation and composition fill to the eyes.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE: From a French estate, acquired between 1960 and 1980. with SAS Cornette de Saint Cyr Auction, Paris, Vente 882, Mobilier et Objets d'art, 2 December 2014, lot 69.
Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.167062. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Alberto Maria Pollastrini.
28
EGYPTIAN MOUNTED COPTIC TEXTILE WITH ANIMALS
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
27⅝ x 7⅜ in. (138 grams, 70 x 18.2 cm).
Comprising a clavus decorated with various bright colours (green, brown, pink, blue, yellow) with stiff animal figures (dragons and stylised eagles) and a cockerel(?) inside the orbiculus. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Forrer, Die Graeber und Textilfunde von Achmim-Panopolis, Strassburg, 1891, pl.XIII, no.4, for similar.
29
EGYPTIAN COPTIC TEXTILE COLLECTION IN FOLDER
CIRCA 5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
11½ x 9⅞ in. (768 grams, 29 x 25 cm).
Comprising 31 fragments of linen and wool textiles decorated with various subject matter: geometric motifs; symbolic interlaced panels and frieze; vases; human and animal figures; the designs executed using a variety of colours; displayed in a ring binder. [31, No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
30
EGYPTIAN BRONZE GOD BASTET AS A SEATED CAT ‡ LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
5⅝ in. (819 grams total, 14.3 cm high including stand).
With wide eyes and pierced ears, its tail wrapped around one side of its body and resting on its right front paw; mounted on a custom-made display base.
£10,000 - 14,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired between 1930-1960. Ex M.C. collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11844-206484.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar cat on display in the Capitoline Museum, Rome, Italy, accession number 18292; Scott, N.E., The cat of Bastet, in The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, xvii [1] Summer 1958, New York, 1-7; see also Malek, J., The Cat in Ancient Egypt, London, 1993.
FOOTNOTES:
The cat was the most sacred animal in ancient Egypt and associated with the cat-headed goddess Bastet, daughter of Re. When represented in human form as a cat-headed female she usually holds a sistrum (a musical rattle) in her right hand with a supine cat on its top, and an aegis in her left. Small kittens are often shown at her feet. Her most important cult centre was at Bubastis (Tell Basta) in the north-east Delta. The site today is heavily ruined and the temple destroyed. Sir Flinders Petrie excavated at Bubastis and other nearby Delta sites in the 1880s. Tombs of some of the temple officials have been found nearby and vast cemeteries of mummified cat burials left as votive offerings; so many thousands were found that they were used locally as fuel. Since Petrie’s investigations the site has been abandoned and only in recent years have excavations begun to be undertaken. In painted nobles’ tombs at Thebes, a cat is often represented seated beneath the chair of the noble’s wife. In the 5th century BC, the Greek historian Herodotus wrote that the festival of Bastet at Bubastis was the most elaborate of all those in Egypt. The Roman geographer Strabo wrote that the cat was so revered in Egypt that an Egyptian dashed into his burning house to save the cat, then returned to rescue his family.
31
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE SCARAB FOR THUTMOSE III
NEW KINGDOM, 1334-1325 B.C. ¾ in. (5.45 grams, 21 mm).
Green glazed composition amuletic bead with cartouche of Thutmose III flanked by two pairs of rearing cobras to the underside.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 58(c), for type.
32
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE SCARAB WITH HIEROGLYPHS ‡ LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C. ⅝ in. (1.72 grams, 15 mm).
Naturalistic detailing to the blue stained body and legs with section of openwork between the front and back legs; hieroglyphs on base; pierced for suspension.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection of Emil Saad, Paris-Alexandria.
33
EGYPTIAN STONE SCARAB INSCRIBED FOR TUTANKHAMUN ‡ NEW KINGDOM, 1334-1325 B.C. ¾ in. (4.55 grams, 20 mm).
Naturalistically modelled and coloured blue, hieroglyphs on base; pierced for suspension.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Ex collection of Emil Saad, Paris-Alexandria.
34
LARGE EGYPTIAN STONE HIEROGLYPHIC SCARAB FOR AMENHOTEP III ‡ NEW KINGDOM, 1386-1349 B.C. 1¾ in. (41 grams, 44 mm).
Naturalistically modelled with detailing to the upper body and legs; damaged base with the throne name 'neb-maat-re' of Amenhotep III in cartouche and the god's name Amun-Re below; pierced for suspension.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Ex R. Liechti (1934-2010) Geneva, Switzerland, collection between 1950-1990s.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
LARGE EGYPTIAN HEART SCARAB WITH HIEROGLYPHIC INSCRIPTION ‡ LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
2⅛ in. (68.5 grams, 54 mm).
With naturalistic detailing to the upper body and legs; base engraved with seven rows of hieroglyphic text, a version of Chapter 30b of the Book of the Dead; faience or glazed steatite.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection Charles Bouché, (1928 - 2010).
Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.139368. Accompanied by old sketches of the artefact together with a provisional translation of the hieroglyphic inscription in French; mentioning the god Osiris. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11845-206822
EGYPTIAN GREEN JASPER HEART SCARAB LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (6.8 grams, 24 mm).
Finely carved, with naturalistic detailing to the upper body, legs shown folded beneath the body with suspension loop at centre.
£2,500 - 3,500
PROVENANCE:
From an early 20th century Home Counties collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11846-207088.
FOOTNOTES:
The Egyptians saw the scarab as a symbol of renewal and rebirth. The beetle was associated with the sun god because scarabs roll large balls of dung in which to lay their eggs, a behavior that the Egyptians thought resembled the progression of the sun through the sky from east to west. Scarab amulets were used for their magical rejuvenating properties by both the living and the dead. The regenerative powers of scarabs such as the one offered here could be used by either the living or the dead for healing and protection. The striking red/orange colour of the carnelian stone used to produce this amulet strengthens its solar associations.
37
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE AMULET WITH HIEROGLYPHS
SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1650 B.C. ⅝ in. (1.67 grams, 17 mm).
Rectangular amuletic bead with hieroglyphic text to both faces, central cartouche to one face.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
See Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, for discussion.
38
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE SCARAB FOR THUTMOSE III
SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1650 B.C.
⅝ in. (1.96 grams, 16 mm).
Amuletic scarab bead with cartouche of Thutmose III flanked by erect sacred uraei to the underside.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, 58(c).
39
PHOENICIAN GLASS ALABASTRON
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
3½ in. (39.8 grams, 91 mm high).
Core formed with rounded base, dragged trail pattern in blue, white and yellow, two lateral lug handles below the everted rim. £800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. British Museum reference number.1899,1229.6, for a vessel of similar form. 40
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE RAMESSES II OFFERING CUP ‡
1279-1213 B.C.
1¾ in. (31 grams, 45 mm).
Glazed blue and painted with two conjoined rectangular panels containing the king's cartouches.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1994.
FOOTNOTES: Also known as Ramses the Great, famed for his building projects and military achievements, this king was the second longest reigning in Egyptian history, ascending the throne at age 13 and remaining there for around 67 years.
EGYPTIAN STEATITE SCARAB IN GOLD SWIVEL RING LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (6.99 grams, 27.44 mm overall, 16.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5¾, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)).
Carved with simple anatomical detailing with hieroglyphs to base with the goddess Maat (of truth) and the Red Crown of Lower Egypt; set in a later gold swivel bezel supported by a tapering, round-section gold hoop bearing a maker's mark stamped in triangular cartouche. [No Reserve]
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Collected since the 1970s. Ex Everitt collection, acquired by descent 2017.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 30.8.1065, for a similar scarab.
42
EGYPTIAN GOLD RING WITH FLY LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 in. (5.28 grams, 27.27 mm overall, 19.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S½, USA 9¼, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)).
The round-section hoop tapering towards the bezel where the arms overlap and form coil sleeves around the opposite shoulder, gold fly attached to the bezel with two mounting loops, with simple detailing to the upper body, possibly incorporating a human face; possibly a marriage.
£2,500 - 3,500
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11847-204562.
43
EGYPTO-ROMAN RED CARNELIAN SOKNOPAIOS GEMSTONE IN GOLD RING
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.23 grams, 23.98 mm overall, 18.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q½, USA 8¼, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)).
The 19th century ring with D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders; the oval intaglio engraved with a seated woman offering food or drink from a cup to a creature with the body of a crocodile and a falcon head; accompanied by a custom-made display case and impression.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11779-204569.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Dosoo, K., Galoppin, T., ‘Animals in Graeco-Egyptian Magical Practice’ in Dosoo, K., Coulon, C., Magic Z on, Animal and Magica from the Antiquity to the Middle Ages, Aubervilliers, 2022, pp.203-256; for images of Soknopaios see Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 30.8.307; the Walters Art Museum, accession no.22.347; for magical gems with an image of a falconheaded crocodile, see the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Cabinet des Médailles, inventory no.CBd-3289.
44
EGYPTIAN BRONZE RING WITH HYKSOS SCARAB
2ND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, 15TH DYNASTY, HYKSOS, 1648-1540 B.C. 1½ in. (9.41 grams, 37 mm wide).
Round-section bronze shank with attachment wires retaining a glazed composition scarab with three columns of hieroglyphs with a rope border.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 2, for type.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
45
ROMANO-EGYPTIAN GLASS HEAD COLLECTION
ROMAN PERIOD, 30 B.C.-323 A.D.
1¼ - 1⅜ in. (61 grams total, 32-36 mm).
Three glass faces including a lion head and two male portrait heads. [3, No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, fig.15.
46
LARGE EGYPTIAN HARDSTONE HEART AMULET
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1⅛ in. (7.24 grams, 29 mm).
Oval-bodied with a discoid top and integral suspension loop. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
From an early 20th century collection, Carnavon, North Wales, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 10.130.1796, for a very similar example.
47
EGYPTIAN STONE ALABASTRON ‡
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1⅞ in. (2⅛ in.) (34.2 grams, 48 mm high (48.9 grams, 55 mm including stand)).
The body with rounded shoulders, convex outer face and pointed base, everted rim; accompanied by a custom-made display base.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1994. European collection.
48
EGYPTIAN ALABASTER KOHL POT ‡
LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
2¼ in. (128 grams, 56 mm).
The miniature piriform body with everted neck and rim, shallow integral foot; chipped.
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1993.
49
EGYPTIAN ALABASTER ALABASTRON ‡
THIRD INTERMEDIATE PERIOD-LATE PERIOD, 1069-332 B.C.
3⅞ in. (139 grams, 97 mm high).
The piriform vessel with rounded base, two integral lug handles to the neck; fractured above the neck.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1992.
50
EGYPTIAN STEATITE SCARAB WITH HIEROGLYPHS
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C. OR LATER
1 in. (7.14 grams, 24 mm).
Carved with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing and engraved with hieroglyphs to the base; pierced for suspension. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Collected since the 1970s.
Ex Everitt collection, acquired by descent 2017.
51
EGYPTIAN HYKSOS STEATITE SCARAB COLLECTION ‡
18TH-16TH CENTURY B.C.
¾ - 1 in. (15.1 grams total, 18-24 mm).
Four scarabs each with detailing to the upper body, legs and hieroglyphs on the bases; each pierced for suspension. [4]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1992.
52
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE HIEROGLYPHIC SCARAB GROUP
SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1650 B.C.
⅝ -¾ in. (12.1 grams total, 15-19 mm).
Comprising: one in white glazed composition with figure of a baboon (the god Thoth) to the underside; four similar in blue-turquoise with hieroglyphs. [5]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 58(b,c).
53
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE HIEROGLYPHIC SCARAB GROUP
SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1650 B.C.
½ -¾ in. (9.4 grams total, 12-19 mm).
Comprising: two white glazed composition with hieroglyphs to the underside; three similar in blue-green. [5]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 58(b,c).
54
EGYPTIAN FAIENCE HIEROGLYPHIC SCARAB GROUP
SECOND INTERMEDIATE PERIOD, CIRCA 1650 B.C.
½ -⅝ in. (8.54 grams total, 12-17 mm).
Comprising: three in blue-turquoise with hieroglyphs to the underside; two similar, olive green with cartouche of Thutmose III to the underside. [5]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 58(b,c,d).
55
CYPRIOT DECORATED AMPHORA
700-600 B.C.
9¼ in. (1.12 kg, 23.5 cm high).
Creamware body with broad neck and pear-shaped body, trumpetshaped base; ribbed strap handles extending to the everted rim; painted with dense zones of concentric black chevrons, rings, and other geometric ornament, red detailing.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: with Christie's, London, 11 July 1990, lot 122.
Subsequently in the collection of Dr Takey Crist, Jacksonville, North Carolina.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar though less ornate example in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.1866,0415.98.
EXHIBITED: The Cyprus Museum, Jacksonville, North Carolina, 1988-2018.
56
CYPRIOT DECORATED KYLIX
850-750 B.C.
8¼ in. (685 grams, 21 cm wide).
With domed foot and short stem supporting a broad bowl with carination below the rim and two lateral ledge handles; bands of painted concentric rings to the inner face in black and red, similar to the shoulder above panels of vertical stripes, arrows and other motifs; median Maltese cross to one face and bull's eye motif to the other.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
With Sotheby's London, antiquities sale, 17 May 1983, lot 132.
Acquired from the above by Mr Leinonen, by descent to his son, Stan Leinonen. On loan to the Detroit Institute of Arts 6 December 1983-24 April, 2019. On view in Hallway East of Rivera Court circa 1989 and again in European Medieval and Renaissance in the 2000s.
LITERATURE: Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.1869,0604.21.
57 CYPRIOT TREFOIL JUG WITH CONCENTRIC DECORATIONS
700-600 B.C.
12¾ in. (1.7 kg, 32.5 cm high).
With low basal ring, globular body, cylindrical neck with a pinched trefoil spout and thick ribbed strap-handle from shoulder to rim; decorated on each broad face with concentric rings in black and red paint with vertical bands of smaller concentric rings to the shoulder.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of Herbert Henry Marks (1896-1972), acquired 1930s1940s.
Subsequently by descent to his son, Stephen Powys Marks (1932-2020), Bath. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11848-207711.
LITERATURE: Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.1982,0729.153.
GREEK MARBLE FUNERARY ANTHEMION STELE
4TH CENTURY B.C.
41½ in. (37½ in without stand) (55.6 kg total, 105.5 cm high including stand (95.2 cm without stand)).
Comprising a tall, plain body with two rosettes; crowned by an elaborate palmette and volute design with shallow acanthus stalks and small rosettes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. £20,000 - 30,000
PROVENANCE:
Private Swiss collection, acquired in the 1980s. with Ward & Co., New York, 2014.
Private American collection, K.M., circa 2015-present.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate number S00114167, dated 2 June 2016.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
LITERATURE:
See Grossman, J.B., Greek Funerary Sculpture: Catalogue of the Collections at the Getty Villa, Los Angeles, 2001; Brinkmann, W., Wünsche, R., Bunte Götter, die Farbigkeit Antike Skulptur, München, 2004.
EXHIBITED:
Masterpiece, London, 29 June - 5 July 2017; TEFAF Maastricht, March 2018; Masterpiece, London, 28 June - 4 July 2018.
60
GREEK BRONZE HEPHAISTOS STATUETTE
CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.
5¼ in. (294 grams total, 13.5 cm high including stand).
The elegant figure depicting the Greek god of fire and metalworking seated and nude except for the pilos on his head, lean body with naturalistic detailing, shown bearded and with curly hair emerging beneath the cap; he would have once held a pair of tongs in his left hand and a hammer in his right hand; accompanied by a custommade display stand.
£20,000 - 30,000
PROVENANCE:
with Elie Borowski, Basel.
Subsequently in the collection of Denys Sutton (1917-1991), London, acquired from the above on 11 October 1963.
Thence by descent.
with Sotheby's, New York, 6 December 2012, lot 11.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11827-207739.
LITERATURE:
See Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie grecque et romaine, Paris, 1930, pp.39-40, for the Hephaistos iconography; Hensly, C., ‘Proceed to Olympus: the iconography of the Return of Hephaestus’ in Undergraduate Research Awards. 14, Hollins, 2013, fig.5.
FOOTNOTES:
According to legend, Hephaistos was thrown into the ocean by his mother Hera and raised by the sea nymph Thetis. Upon his return to Olympus, he took his revenge by imprisoning his mother and obtaining the hand of the most beautiful of the goddesses, Aphrodite. He became the blacksmith of the gods. Sculptural depictions of the god, known as Vulcan to the Romans, are very rare. Hephaistos was the armourer of the heroes, and certainly his greatest artwork was making Achilles' armour.
59
GREEK SILVER-GILT MASK OF SILENUS
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
1½ in. (3⅞ in.) (9.4 grams, 37 mm (160 grams total, 98 mm high including stand)).
Naturalistically modelled in repoussé as the mature and frowning face of the god Silenus; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11849-207741.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Dallas Museum of Art, object number 1991.75.74.3, for a broadly comparable mask in gold.
FOOTNOTES:
In Greek mythology, Silenus was a god of the forest, associated with musical creativity, ecstatic dance and drunkenness. He was also a prophet and a bearer of dire wisdom. When the god Dionysus was born from the thigh of Zeus, Hermes took the infant to live with Silenus, where he was raised together with local nymphs in a cave on mount Nysa. Silenus was frequently present in the train of Dionysus, fought with the latter against the giants, and accompanied him on his adventures.
61
GREEK RED-FIGURE FRAGMENT WITH ATHLETES ATTRIBUTED TO THE EUAION PAINTER ‡
CIRCA 460 B.C.
6 in. (121 grams, 15.2 cm).
From a kylix, the inside painted with two young naked athletes within a medallion, conversing and cleaning their bodies with a strigil, the edge of the medallion decorated with a series of meanders and four crosses; the outside with two naked athletes and other figures, divided by foliage ornaments and volutes.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in before 2005. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11805-206818.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Boardman, J., Athenian Red Figure Vases. The Archaic period, London, 1975, figs.369-370.
FOOTNOTES:
The Euaion painter was a prolific artist of about 460 B.C. His painting - already in the manneristic period of the Attic red figures vases - was more nearly classical in style, although the ancestry of his small-headed, slim figures, is very evident. He introduced a high, sometimes patterned ground line for an upright two-figure group, and preferred the old elaborately patterned borders for tondos and the ground lines outside cups.
62
GREEK ATTIC BLACK-FIGURE LEKYTHOS WITH FIGHTING HOPLITES ‡
6TH CENTURY B.C.
9 in. (381 grams, 23 cm high).
The piriform body tapering towards the splayed foot, D-section strap handle and calyx-shaped mouth with flat rim; the body painted with a scene of two duelling hoplites, dressed in full armour comprising shields, greaves and helmets, dressed in short chitons and assisted by their arbiters holding staffs and dressed in long himation; the shoulder with palmette decoration and facing figures of a man and a woman with long garments around the shoulder; restored.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Old Swiss collection. Acquired in Europe before 2011. Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11815-206482.
LITERATURE:
See Papuci-Władyka, E., Corpus Vasorum Antiquorum, Poland, Fascicule 11, Cracow Fascicule I, Cracow, 2012, pl.43, for similar examples; see also a similar lekythos decorated with warriors in combat at the New Art Gallery Walsall, inventory no.1973.284.GR; for general bibliography on the Attic Greek blackfigure lekythoi see Beazley, J. D., Attic Black-Figure Vase-Painters, New York, 1978, pp.463-464, 699; Boardman J., Athenian Black Figure Vases, New York, 1993, pp.114-115, fig.237.
FOOTNOTES:
To the Greeks, lekythoi were containers for dispensing oil. The characteristics shape of this vessel was that of a long body, narrow neck, one handle and a cup-shaped mouth. The shape was fit for the function of the lekythos: the narrow neck prevented the unnecessary loss of oil by enabling small amounts to be distributed evenly and the mouth to collect the excess. The represented scene is probably taken from the Iliad and could represent the combat between Ajax and Hector, assisted by arbiters.
14½ in. (3.8 kg, 37 cm wide).
With a high foot, laurel wreath encircling the neck, checkerboard and meander patterns alternating around the lower body, roundels of tongue motif to the handles with palmettes and tendrils below; two red-figure scenes to the body: Side a: a high-quality depiction of a K mos composed of five figures, including a young man holding a torch, a double flute player next to three dancers, all possibly followers of Dionysus; side b: three draped figures conversing comprising a central female figure between two opposed male figures, one holding a staff.
£40,000 - 60,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex Feuardent collection, France, collected in the late 19th century (two old labels: one with 3061-133) on the inner rim and 113/2 (an old lot label from the 1900s/1920s) on the sidewall, further old assession numbers under the base: 321 and 35).
Private collection, acquired in Paris, 2004.
Accompanied by a copy of a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N111j79 from Oxford Authentication.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11786-206517.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Getty Museum, accession number 80.AE.139.1, for a comparable trio of figures on a bell-krater, Lucanian, c.420 B.C.; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 96.18.37, for a very similar vessel form, Etruscan, early 4th century B.C., accession number 07.286.85, for a depiction of Dionysos on a bell-krater; cf. The British Museum, museum number 1824,0501.18, for a similar form and displaying an ephebi trio.
FOOTNOTES:
The Kadmos Painter was an Athenian red-figure vase painter, whose real name is unknown. His nickname was bestowed by Beazley, naming him after the subject of a famous hydria in Berlin (Antikensammlungen Berlin/Altes Museum, found in Vulci). He illustrated many mythological scenes, sometimes with figures arranged up and down the field, usually on bell craters, vessels used in symposia for mixing wine and water. A Komos was a ritualistic drunken procession performed by revellers in ancient Greece. It preceded and/or followed the banquet, whether unbridled in nature with music and games, or serious and mythical.
64
MYCENAEAN TERRACOTTA VESSEL COLLECTION ‡
12TH-11TH CENTURY B.C.
3¼ - 5 in. (693 grams total, 8.3-12.6 cm).
Comprising: a stirrup jar; trefoil jug; a jar; juglet and handled dish or cup; all decoratively painted with geometric designs; some repairs. [5]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: with Sotheby's, 13 December 1990, lot 217.
65
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN PAINTED POTTERY BOWL WITH HANDLES ‡ 8TH CENTURY B.C.
6⅛ in. (243 grams, 15.5 cm wide).
Conical in form with rounded shoulder, everted rim and two roundsection handles; painted with concentric bands around the inner and outer faces.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1992. European collection.
66
CORINTHIAN BLACK-FIGURE ARYBALLOS WITH A LION ‡ CIRCA 600 B.C.
2⅛ in. (41.7 grams, 55 mm).
The squat oil flask with slender neck and broad everted rim, painted with rosette petals around the mouth and base, spots encircling the rim, horizontal stipes to the strap handle, vegetal motifs and the forequarters of a roaring lion to one face of the body.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired from Dr. Jean Lauffenburger, circa 1980. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11850-206480.
LITERATURE: Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 41.162.59, for similar.
For charges
in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
67
ETRUSCAN BRONZE FIGURE OF WARRING MARS ‡
6TH CENTURY B.C.
6⅜ in. (326 grams total, 16.2 cm high including stand).
The Etrusco-Italic warrior Laran (Roman Mars) modelled in the round, representing a young muscular hero with long torso and rounded shoulders, wearing a high-crested Illyrian helmet with grooved perimeter, a hole above each ear for attaching an ornament; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection Koutoulakis.
Ex Gorny & Mosch, Munich, 17 June 1999, lot 2051. with Sotheby's, New York, 12 June 2001, lot 16.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11803-206793.
LITERATURE:
Cf. De Ridder, A., Bronzes Antiques du Louvre, Paris, I-II, 1913-1915, nos.277, 281; Giglioli, G.Q., Arte Etrusca, Milan, 1935, pl.CCXXI; Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.38-39, no.5bis, for similar; Boucher, S., Recherches sur les bronzes figures de Gaule pré-romaine et romaine, Rome, 1976, no.14.
FOOTNOTES:
The statuette assumes the position of the 'warring Mars', which characterises the numerous Etruscan and Italic statues of the god produced as votive offerings to the temples or for private lararia. The god is depicted as taking part on a military march with his left leg advancing, his raised right would have held a spear and the left hand a shield.
68
APULIAN RED-FIGURE SKYPHOS WITH OWLS ‡
5TH CENTURY B.C.
6 in. (127 grams, 15 cm wide).
The cup with two handles to the neck and a broad, integral foot; both principal faces displaying an owl standing right between laurel branches; repaired.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1994. with Christie's, New York, 2 June 1995, lot 95.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 2001.761.5, for a similar Attic example.
69
MYCENAEAN PAINTED POTTERY ALABASTRON ‡
14TH-13TH CENTURY B.C.
2¾ in. (70 grams, 69 mm).
Formed with a squat globular body, everted rim and three lug handles to the shoulder; painted reddish-brown over a cream slip with concentric bands and rings to the mouth, neck, shoulder and base, larger solid undulating forms covering the lower body.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired form Royal Athena Gallery, 2003.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11851-206833.
LITERATURE: Cf. Sadberk Hanım Museum, Istanbul, for a very similar example.
FOOTNOTES: Late Helladic IIIA period of Mycenaean culture.
70
MYCENAEAN PAINTED POTTERY ALABASTRON ‡
13TH-11TH CENTURY B.C.
3⅝ in. (190 grams, 93 mm wide).
Drum-shaped with a sloping shoulder, short neck, trumpet-style neck and mouth and a gently rounded base; three loop handles at regular intervals around the shoulder; reddish-brown painted geometric bands and cross-hatching against a cream slip.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE: Ex private collection, Holland.
Acquired from Royal Athena Gallery, 2003.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11852-206835.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1886,0415.14, for similar type; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 74.51.772, for a similar dated to the Late Bronze Age, 1600-1050 B.C.
71
PROTO-CORINTHIAN PAINTED POTTERY CUP ‡
7TH CENTURY B.C.
6¼ in. (74 grams, 16 cm wide).
Broadly conical in form, with rounded shoulder, inverted rim, two slender D-shaped handles and gently splayed foot; polychrome painted concentric bands to the inner and outer faces and geometric sunburst pattern around the foot; restored.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1960s-1970s. Ex European private collection.
ETRUSCAN BRONZE STATUETTE OF HERAKLES ‡
4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
5¾ in. (7⅝ in.) (290 grams total, 14.5 cm high (19.5 cm high including stand)).
Modelled in the round with a muscular nude body, his club lifted in his right hand behind his head, his hair dressed in rows of tight, closeset curls underneath a Nemean lionskin hood with cloak billowing over his left arm, the paws tied across his chest; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£30,000 - 40,000
PROVENANCE:
with Sotheby's, New York, 21 November 1985, lot 60. Ex private New York collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11794-206497.
in Atti del I0 convegno di studi sulle Antichità Adriatiche, Chieti, 1971, pp.172177; Adam, A.M., Bronzes étrusques et italiques, Paris, 1984, p.190, nos.291-292; cf. also The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 96.9.297, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, accession number 66.41, for comparable figures; for the type see the British Museum no.1895,0408.1, in the British Museum Department of British & Medieval Antiquities, Guide to the Antiquities of Roman Britain, London, 1964, p.54, pl.13,7; for Herakles-Alcides in the Etruscan-Latin world see also Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae (LIMC), vol.V., Zurich, 1990, pp.196-253, s.v. Herakles/Hercle.
FOOTNOTES:
The statuette assumes the position of the 'attacking Hercules', which characterises numerous Etruscan statues of the hero of the classical era, however, with a less aggressive stance. The type was probably an Etruscan creation of the 5th century B.C., based on Greek models, which lasted until the end of the Hellenistic period, when Etruria was by then incorporated into the Roman world. This statuette, despite certain anatomical stylisation and an impersonal characterisation of the face, is the result of a good artistic and technical quality. The comparison of the artwork with the group identified as ‘Trieste’ from Colonna shows that this specimen is more recent and should be dated to the end of the Hellenistic Age. These small statuettes were probably offered ex-voto by the Romano-Etruscan aristocracy of the period.
GREEK ARCHAIC TERRACOTTA HEAD OF KORE ‡
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
4¾ in. (5⅜ in.) (229 grams, 12 cm (263 grams total, 13.5 cm high including stand)).
Modelled in the round wearing a diadem or headdress, either a Kore or Aphrodite, hollow-formed; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection.
LITERATURE: Cf. similar statuette in the archaeological museum of Komotini, inv. no. K13512/1323 da Rhodope; Cleveland Museum of Art, no.1926.518.
FOOTNOTES:
The type belongs to the evolution of the ‘Aphrodite Group’ that was distributed and copied by local workshops in Ionia and the rest of Greece. The figurines of this type are found in sanctuaries of female deities, as well as graves (eg. in Molyvoti). Similar figurines have also been found in Thassos.
GREEK TARENTINE TERRACOTTA HEAD OF A YOUTH
MID 4TH CENTURY B.C.
9⅛ in. (1.2 kg total, 25.3 cm high including stand).
Possibly depicting Ganymede or Paris, wearing a soft Phrygian cap with everted brim, the hair swept back from the face; almond-shaped eyes with pronounced eyelids, straight nose and fleshy lips; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired early 20th century.
From the collection of Count Henri d'Epinay (1940-2017), Longuenesse, France. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.196149. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11824-207736.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie grecque et romaine, Paris, 1930, pp.471ff., and especially no.7, p.472; Rausa, F., ‘L’immagine del vincitore: L’atleta nella statuaria greca dall’età arcaica all’ellenismo’, in Ludica 2, Treviso and Rome, 1994, pp.136–38; Belli Pasqua, R., La scultura in marmo e in pietra. Catalogo del Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto IV, 1., Taranto, 1995; Hakanen, V., Ganimede in the art of the Roman Campania, Ancient Roman viewers' experience of erotic mythological art, Helsinki, 2022; for similar heads in terracotta see Ferruzza, M.L., Ancient Terracottas from South Italy and Sicily in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2016, nos.19, 20, 21.
FOOTNOTES:
The terracotta sculpture appears to have similarities with other Tarentine heads from the early Hellenistic Period. A marble head from Taranto, datable to the end of the 4th century B.C., presents similar elements. The visible character is clearly attributable to Graeco-Roman mythology. The only clue regarding the identity of the head is provided by the Phrygian cap, which narrows down the identification to few characters from Greek mythology: the Trojan prince Ganymede, abducted by Zeus for his beauty and named by him the cupbearer of the gods, or the Trojan prince Paris. There are many representations of Ganymede in a Phrygian cap (Hakanen, 2022, plates 6,12a). However, the third possibility is that the sculpture represents Attis, lover of the goddess Cybele.
75
LIFE-SIZE ETRUSCAN TERRACOTTA FOOT
CIRCA 200 B.C.
11 in. (3.1 kg total, 28 cm wide including stand).
From a statue; left foot with detailed lacing to the sandal; integral wedge below to provide the correct angle for the foot and ankle.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of Platon Hobson (29 January 1937-3 December 2022), local dealer and previously a costumier in the film industry.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
CAMPANIAN RED-FIGURE NECK-AMPHORA WITH CAVALRYMAN ‡ 340-330 B.C. 15⅞ in. (1.55 kg, 40.2 cm high).
The piriform body with broad, stepped rim and two round-section handles; red-figure frieze depicting two standing women facing, wearing a himation and stephane; the other side with a nude standing warrior wearing an Apulo-Corinthian helmet, holding the reins of his horse, acanthus leaves, ovolo and wave motifs to the neck and lower body; probably from a Cuma workshop.
£10,000 - 14,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex private collection Mr S., Geneva, by inheritance.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11784-206515.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Trendall, A.D., ‘Paestan Pottery: a Revision and a Supplement’, in Papers of the British School at Rome, 1952, no.20, pp.1-53, pl.XVIa, for similar amphora but with different iconography.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
PUBLISHED: Trendall, A.D., The red-figured vases of Lucania, Campania and Sicily, second supplement, University of London, Institute of Classical Studies Bulletin n°31, 1973, planche XLII.
FOOTNOTES:
The illustration of the horse is noteworthy: contemporary descriptions speak about the Sicilian horses as 'generous, swift and with firm foot' (Aeneid III, 704). The Oscan poet Lucilius of the 2nd century B.C. quotes the Campanian chargers as ‘fiery and brave although not very fine in their look’. The artistic evidence, like here, depicts well-built horses with fine legs suitable for middlelight cavalry.
77
ETRUSCAN BRONZE HANDLE PAIR WITH HEADS OF MEDUSA
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
4⅜ in. (695 grams total, 11 cm wide each).
Each formed as a D-shaped fluted bar with the finials formed as grotesque Medusa heads in Archaic Greek style with protruding tongue and a pair of bearded snakes framing her forehead; mounted on custom-made display stands. [2]
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex private collection of Athos Moretti, Bellinzona, Switzerland, in the 1960s. with Christies, London, 14 June 1978, lot 344. with Sotheby's, New York, 29 May 1987, lot 154.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11773-204596.
LITERATURE: Cf. Torelli, M., Gli Etruschi, Monza, 2000; Cristofani, M., I bronzi degli Etruschi (Etruscan bronzes, in Italian), Novara, 1985; Cateni, G. (ed.), Etruschi di Volterra, capolavori dei grandi musei Europei, Milano, 2007, fig.9, pp.154-155.
FOOTNOTES:
The handles were possibly once part of a hydria or a stamnos. The workmanship of the nose and eyes of the Medusa recall the head of a gorgoneion from a chariot or cart fragment, today at the Metropolitan Museum (inventory no.29.131.3d1–d3).
78
ETRUSCAN BRONZE LADLE WITH DUCK'S HEAD HANDLE ‡ 5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C. 9¾ in. (179 grams, 24.7 cm).
With shallow circular bowl and broad rim, stem with slightly domed front face, terminal formed as a duck's head.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired in 1998. Ex Swiss private collection.
LITERATURE: Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 21.88.130, for similar.
79
HELLENISTIC GOLD EARRINGS WITH LAPIS AND MOTHER OF PEARL 4TH-2ND CENTURY B.C.
2¼ - 2⅜ in. (10.23 grams total, 57-61 mm).
Comprising a shallow disc with central flower motif inlaid with carnelian and lapis lazuli, surrounded by a beaded border, the outer pearled border inlaid with mostly replicant lapis lazuli, and mother of pearl inserts; three pendants to the lower edge, two with chain and carnelian bead, the central pendant formed as a miniature amphora with filigree, repaired; housed in a custom-made display box. £25,000 - 35,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired by Tuyet Nguyet in the 1970s-1980s.
From the jewellery collection of Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter. Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11777-204568.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession numbers 95.15.203-204, for earrings made with similar elements and in similar style; see also Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the jewellery Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the departments of Antiquities of British Museum, London, 1911, pl.LI, nos.2332-2333; Ogden, J.M., Gold Jewellery in Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine Egypt, II Volumes, Durham, 1990; Ogden, J. and Williams, D., Greek Gold Jewelry of The Classical World, New York, 1994; Yavtushenko, I. (eds.), Masterpieces of Platar, 2004, no.83, p.67; Aikaterini D., Greek Art: Ancient Gold Jewellery, Athens, 2006.
80
SOUTH ITALIAN GNATHIAN WARE POTTERY OINOCHOE ‡
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY B.C.
8 in. (193 grams, 20.2 cm high).
Piriform bodied with u-shaped spout and high handle, polychrome painted egg, zig-zag, bar, dot and laurel pattern with flower arranged in rows to the front face.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 2001. European collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1867,0508.1206, for similar; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 1971.11.20, for similar.
81
GREEK ARYBALLOS PERFUME JAR
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY B.C.
2½ in. (3¼ in.) (104 grams, 63 mm (149 grams total, 82 mm high including stand)).
Bulbous-bodied with dished rim ad short strap handle, decorative painted trail to the lip, spots to the shoulder and incised crosshatching to the lower body; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£1,800 - 2,400
PROVENANCE:
Ex Swiss private collection, C.A., Geneva (1961-2000). Thence in a French collection. with Charles Ede Limited, catalogue 183, item number 31, 2001.
Accompanied by a copy of French cultural passport number 116789, dated 15 April 2010.
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00048851, dated 3 June 2011.
LITERATURE: Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.194.2276, for similar.
82
ETRUSCAN BLACKWARE IMPASTO VASE ‡
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
5⅞ in. (550 grams, 15 cm wide).
Biconical with a tapering cylindrical neck and two handles, raised ribbing around the shoulder.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Ex private Mister X. (1931-2017) collection. Sold in the benefit of the 'Croix-Rouge of Monaco'.
83
ETRUSCAN BROWNWARE IMPASTO VASE ‡
8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
5⅝ in. (328 grams, 14.4 cm).
Biconical with a broad neck, everted rim and two high handles, shoulder decorated with high vertical ridges with conical knop at centre to two faces.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Ex private Mister X. (1931-2017) collection. Sold in the benefit of the 'Croix-Rouge of Monaco'.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 96.18.84, for a broadly similar example.
85
GREEK RED-FIGURE FRAGMENT WITH DRAPED FIGURES
ATTRIBUTED TO THE ONESIMOS PAINTER ‡
5TH CENTURY B.C.
5⅛ in. (91 grams, 13 cm).
Depicting a young man dressed in a long cloak, the right hand resting on a staff, facing a young woman wrapped in a long himation, covering her head and leaving the face uncovered; the scene enclosed within a medallion decorated with meanders and chequered squares; remains of the stem to the reverse with painted figures on the edge; repaired.
£2,500 - 3,500
PROVENANCE:
Acquired before 2005. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11796-206819.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Paul Getty Museum, Greek vases, Molly and Walter Bareiss Collection, Malibu, 1983, nos.36-37.
FOOTNOTES:
This red-figure scene once possibly formed part of a kylix, a cup made for drinking. The decoration of the tondo surrounding the figures allows a comparison with some works of the painter Onesimos and the potter Euphronios. In particular the meanders on the medallion, and the working of the figures, seems to recall the work of Onesimos, who preferred to decorate cups, many of them thrown by the famous Euphronios.
84 ETRUSCAN TERRACOTTA HEAD
CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
6¾ in. (1.07 kg, 17 cm).
Formed as a youthful figure with semi-naturalistic facial features and short tufts of comb-effect hair falling around the face; hollow-formed. £2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex S. Amacker collection, prior to 1970. Acquired from the above in 2005.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11853-207423.
With inverted echinus lip and tall neck, a ribbed handle to each side with coiling lotus buds and palmettes beneath the handles; Side a) a running winged Gorgon depicted frontally, dressed in a black and red chiton; Side b) an aristocratic warrior wearing a Chalcidian helmet and driving a quadriga, the two central horses superimposed, the other two turned outward; a frieze of lotus buds and a band Greek key motifs below, the neck decorated with red and black palmettes, and elongated lotus blossoms; restored.
£50,000 - 70,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Geneva in 1954.
Formerly in the Y. Forrer collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Private collection, Switzerland, 1999.
with Gorny & Mosch, Munich, 20 June 2012, lot 73.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11798-206784.
LITERATURE: Cf. for the Swing Painter Boardmann, J., Athenian Black Figure Vases, London, 1974, pp.63, ill.142-146, and especially fig.146, for a comparable; Beazley, J.D., Attic Black Figure Vase-Painters, New York, 1978, pp.304ff., 306, 40 (belly amphora housed in New York, Beazley Archive, no.301520); 308,80 (neck amphora housed in Louvre [F218bis]); Bohr, E., Der Schaukelmarer, Kerameus 4, Mainz-Rhein, 1982.
FOOTNOTES:
This wonderful vase can be attributed to the Swing Painter, active in Athens during the last part of the 6th century B.C. Beazley named him after the subject of a girl on a swing that he painted more than once. He was a pot painter, perhaps a pupil of the Princeton Painter. His black-figure paintings included a range of mythological subjects and some quite unusual images. A very large number of vases have been attributed to his hand on the basis of style. Characteristics of his painting in the mythological scenes, are the presence of hoplites, that give a very realistic rendering of the Greek Archaic warriors of mid-6th century B.C. (München, Staatliche Antikensammlungen 1385 [J 729] Beazley Archive Pottery Database 301590; Poseidon fighting the giant Polybotes, Louvre F226). An important artwork is the famous representation of the Tyrant Pysistratos and his Rabdophoroi (bodyguards armed with clubs, Athens National Archaeological Museum 15111, Beazley Archive Pottery Database 301523).
VERY LARGE GREEK BRINDISI TYPE TERRACOTTA AMPHORA ‡
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
29½ in. (12.45 kg, 75 cm high).
The wide piriform bodied storage vessel with cylindrical neck, inverted rim, two round-section handles and conical knop to base.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex. H.P. Payot, Clarens (VD, Switzerland) collection, by inheritance.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11855-206531.
LITERATURE:
See The Levantine Ceramics Project, Brindisi amphoras.
CYPRIOT RED BURNISHED WARE PITCHER
BRONZE AGE, 2300-1650 B.C.
16½ in. (3.4 kg, 42 cm high).
With burnished surface, tall tapering neck and trumpet-shaped mouth, globular body, one loop handle at the shoulder.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of Dr Takey Crist, Jacksonville, North Carolina, acquired late 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11854-207732.
LITERATURE:
Cf. more ornate version of the same type in the British Museum under accession no.1919,0712.1
EXHIBITED:
The Cyprus Museum, Jacksonville, North Carolina, 1988-2018.
GREEK ARCHAIC LACONIAN BLACK-FIGURE KYLIX FRAGMENT GROUP ATTRIBUTED TO THE RIDER PAINTER ‡
550-540 B.C.
1⅜ - 3½ in. (67 grams total, 34-89 mm).
Comprising six fragments from a bowl once decorated with concentric circles around a central disc with expanding black rays, remains of palmette to the sides of the handle; the internal base with two facing warriors holding spears and a wreath, the older one depicted with a beard. [6]
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1990. Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11820-206481.
LITERATURE:
Cf. a similar kylix with identical external decorations in the British Museum, accession no.1854,0810.4, from Sicyonia, and BM 1842,0407.7 in Walters, H.B., Forsdyke, E.J., Smith, C.H., Vase / Catalogue of Vases in the British Museum, London, 1893-1925, B1 and B3; Nicol, W., A Catalogue of the Greek and Etruscan Vases in the British Museum, London, 1851-1879, no.686.
FOOTNOTES:
The Rider Painter was a Laconian vase painter active between 560 and 530 B.C. and is considered to be one of the five great vase painters of Sparta. He painted various forms predominantly kylikes but also lebetes, a form rare in this area. He mainly painted scenes from mythology, such as figures like Cadmos or Heracles, and tales such as the blinding of Polyphemus. In addition, he realised pictures from everyday life. The attribution of these fragments to his workmanship can be supported by the motifs painted on the exterior decoration of the vessel, and by the shape of the birds and figures. The illustrated scene is fitting within the warrior society of Spartan Laconia.
90
HELLENISTIC GLASS GEM WITH GODDESS
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
⅞ in. (2.52 grams, 22 mm).
Engraved with a goddess (Aphrodite?), facing right, peplos around her hips, her left elbow resting on a column and her left hand behind her body; the right hand outstretched and holding a sceptre; a snake(?) before.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Amorai-Stark, S., ‘Roman Wheel-cut Engraving, Dyeing and Painting Microquartz Gemstones’ in Journal of Archaeological Science, 2003, 30, pp.227-238, pl.2, fig.1, for the type.
FOOTNOTES:
In the famous Greek myth of the Gorgon, Aphrodite, jealous of their beauty, placed a curse on Medusa and her sisters, transforming their hair into snakes and making their gaze turn anyone into stone.
91
HELLENISTIC BRONZE STATUETTE OF AN ALEXANDRIAN
DANCING DWARF
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5¼ in. (299 grams,14.5 cm including stand).
In an active pose with both legs bent and left arm raised dramatically, head tilted to the left; exaggerated facial features, short trimmed hair, slim body with developed pectoral muscles and pronounced kyphosis; mounted on a columnar stand.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Belgian private art collection of M.A., Brussels, Belgium, 1995. with Gorny and Mosch, 14 December 2011, lot 82.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11886-206399.
LITERATURE:
See Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession number 12.229.6, for a similar figure.
ARCHAIC GREEK TERRACOTTA SEATED GODDESS ‡
5TH CENTURY B.C.
7¼ in. (413 grams, 18.5 cm).
Represented in the typical female attire wearing a long chiton and a polos headgear; seated upon a throne with side horns, hands upon her knees; flat back.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1996.
93
ARCHAIC GREEK FIGURAL ALABASTRON ‡
6TH CENTURY B.C.
8⅝ in. (269 grams, 22 cm high).
The free-standing perfume vase modelled as a standing and draped female figure, the neck and mouth of the vessel possibly formed as a modius worn on her head, holding what is possibly a dove to her chest; moulded and painted detailing to her face and garments; heavily repaired.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 2001.
94
CYPRIOT TERRACOTTA GODDESS FIGURINE
LATE 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
8 in. (299 grams, 20.2 cm).
With columnar body and flared base, arms raised, applied domed breasts, pinched facial features with applied mouth and ears; applied band to the brow for the hair or headdress; remains of coral-pink painted detailing.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of French scholar and diplomat Auguste Dozon (1822-1890). Subsequently Hotel Des Ventes Monte Carlo, 6th May 2018, lot 7.
With French cultural property passport.
95
GREEK TERRACOTTA HEAD COLLECTION ‡
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
3¾ - 5⅜ in. (491 grams total, 9.5-13.5 cm high including stand).
Each modelled in the round and and derived from a larger female figure, some wearing diadems and some with draped heads; each mounted on a custom-made display base. [4]
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection.
96
HELLENISTIC TERRACOTTA HEAD OF A YOUTH
3RD CENTURY B.C.
9¼ in. (1.40 kg total, 23.5 cm high including stand).
Tousled curly hair, strong aquiline nose and full mouth; the deep eyes marked by raised eyelids and prominent semi-circular eyebrows; the hair arranged in overlapping rows of locks; repaired; mounted on a later porphyry plinth.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
From the estates of the late Adrian Stanford and Norman St John-Stevas, Baron St John of Fawsley.
with the previous owner since 1982.
with Christie's, London, South Kensington, 22 February 2017, lot 10.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11774-204595.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Moreno, P., ‘L’immagine di Alessandro Magno nell’opera di Lisippo e di altri artisti’ in Alexander the Great, 1993, pp.101-136; Moreno, P. (ed.), Lisippo, l’arte e la fortuna, catalogo della mostra, Roma-Milano, 1995; Alfano, C. (ed.), Alessandro Magno, Storia e Mito, Martellago, 1995; L Frumusa, G., ‘Alessandro Magno, Eracle e la Leonté nella Glittica Ellenistica e Romana’ in LANX, 3, December 2009, pp.13-35; cf. also portrait of Alexander the Great in the Athens Archaeological Museum in Bieber, M., Alexander the Great in Greek and Roman Art, 1964, p.52, fig.37, pl.XX.
FOOTNOTES:
The head represents a Hellenistic portrait of a young man, whose characteristics seem to suggest a reference to a youthful portrait of Alexander the Great. Another possibility is that it represents the portrait of Alexander’s companion, Hephaestion.
97
GRAECO-PHOENICIAN STONE SCARABOID WITH WINGED BEAST IN GOLD SWIVEL RING
CIRCA 7TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
⅛ in. (7.68 grams, 30.50 mm overall, 20.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T½, USA 9¾, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)).
The scaraboid engraved to one face with a winged creature facing left, possibly a gryphon, a star in the field above; set in a later gold ring with round cross-section and stamped maker's mark in a triangular cartouche; articulate swivel. [No Reserve]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE: Collected since the 1970s. Ex Everitt collection, acquired by descent 2017.
98
GREEK GOLD EROS EARRINGS
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
¾ in. (3.24 grams total, 21 mm each).
Each composed of a slender wire hoop and a winged Eros plaque with detailing to the body, face and hair; closure loop to reverse. [2]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 74.51.3506, for similar.
99
GREEK GOLD EARRING PAIR WITH LION HEADS ‡
4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
-¾ in. (3.05 grams total, 15-21 mm).
Each with a decoratively twisted ear hook and lion head terminal with ornamental collar adorned with filigree spirals and granule clusters; non-identical. [2]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired between 1950-1970s. Ex Swiss private collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 74.51.3491 and 74.51.3484, for similar.
100
GREEK ITALIC SILVER FIBULA ‡
5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.
2½ in. (13.5 grams, 63 mm).
Segmented body with central filigree wiring, collared knops to three corners, integral coiled pin and trapezoidal catchplate with lotus flower engraved to the outer face, loop with stylised serpentine head to base.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1994. European collection.
101
SOUTH ITALIAN BLACK-GLAZED MINIATURE HYDRIA ‡
4TH CENTURY B.C.
6½ in. (232 grams, 16.5 cm high).
Decorated with ribbed fluting around the body and broad shoulder, slender neck with stepped and everted rim and mouth, two handles to the equator, a carry handle between neck and shoulder to the rear, discoid foot; repaired.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection.
Anonymous sale, Eve Auctions, Paris, December 11, 2013, lot 11.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 01.8.10, for similar.
102
GREEK HIGH-GLAZED CUP WITH HANDLES ‡
5TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
5 in. (96 grams, 12.8 cm wide).
The body with an inverted bell shape, foot with channeled sidewall, two loop handles with carinated upper faces; repaired.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 2001. European collection.
103
GREEK APULIAN HIGH-GLAZED FLUTED CUP ‡
4TH CENTURY B.C.
3½ in. (174 grams, 90 mm high).
Raised fluting decorating the body, broad c-section neck and everted rim, segmented openwork handle.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the 1960s-1970s. Ex European private collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11856-206542.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 1983.571.4, for a very similar example.
104
GREEK HIGH-GLAZED BLACK WARE MUG
4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
2¾ in. (69 grams, 71 mm).
With flared base, bulbous body. tapering shoulder and flared mouth with everted rim, loop handle.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Private collection, Sussex, UK; acquired 1975-1990.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.1931,0216.14.
105
ATTIC RED-FIGURE FRAGMENT ATTRIBUTED TO THE THALIARCHOS PAINTER ‡
5TH CENTURY B.C.
5 in. (95 grams, 12.5 cm).
Comprising the bottom part of a cup-skyphos or pyxis, decorated with concentric circles in red and black, the internal part painted with the image of a young athlete, wrapped in a short chlamys and leaning upon his staff, the ground represented as a concave space.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1990.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11810-206516.
LITERATURE: Cf. Boardman, J., Athenian Red Figure Vases. The Archaic period, London, 1975, fig.81.
106
GREEK BLACK-GLAZED LEKYTHOS ‡
5TH CENTURY B.C.
2⅝ in. (47 grams, 66 mm).
Squat-bodied with a slender neck, shaped neck and D-section handle.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 2001. European collection.
107
GREEK BLACK-GLAZED PINECONE JUG
5TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
3⅜ in. (105 grams, 86 mm).
With raised domes to the body, broad neck, everted rim, bifurcated handle, foot.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE: Acquired European art market, 1980s-1990s. Private English collection.
108
GREEK BLACK-GLAZED PLATE ‡
5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.
5 in. (192 grams, 12.7 cm wide).
Shallow-bodied with broad foot; incised fluting around the exterior body and rim.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1960s-1970s. Ex European private collection.
109
GREEK MARBLE HEAD OF A YOUTH ‡
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
7⅛ in. (879 grams total, 18 cm high including stand).
Carved in the round; semi-naturalistic anatomic and facial detailing, hair gathered loosely at the neck and tied with a taenia knotted at the nape of the neck; mounted on a custom-made display base.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex old European private property, by inheritance to the current owner. Ex Schuler Auktionen, Zürich, 10 December 2020, lot 1211.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11817-206512.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no.1992.11.60, for a similar marble head of a Kouros, c.525-475 B.C., in Zimmerman, J.-L., Collection de la Fondation Thétis: Développements de l'Art Grec de la Préhistoire à Rome , Geneva, 1987, p.47, no.88; cf. also a slightly later head with tight, defined curls, likely to have come from a group within a funerary naiskos, no. 1972.118.111 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, in Von Bothmer, D. and d'Harnoncourt, R., Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities: An Exhibition from the Collection of Walter Cummings Baker, Esq. no. 59, p. 10, pl. 20, 1950, New York; see also Dörig, J., The Olympia Master and his collaborators, Leiden-New York-Köln-København, 1987.
110
CYPRIOT BICHROME WARE TERRACOTTA HORSE MODEL
CIRCA 850-750 B.C.
5 in. (168 grams, 13 cm high).
Modelled in the round, detailed in black and crimson.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Lt. Col. H.A. Hill, R.A.M.C. while stationed in Cyprus as S.M.O in the 1920s, thence by descent.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 74.51.1771, for very similar.
111
CYPRIOT BICHROME WARE HORSE MODEL
CIRCA 850–750 B.C.
5⅛ in. (183 grams, 13 cm high).
Modelled in the round, detailed in black and crimson. £500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Lt. Col. H.A. Hill, R.A.M.C. while stationed in Cyprus as S.M.O in the 1920s, thence by descent.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 74.51.1771, for very similar.
112
VILLANOVAN IMPASTO BICONICAL URN
CIRCA 8TH CENTURY B.C.
9⅞ in. (2 kg, 25 cm high).
Black burnished ceramic urn with conical lower body, two flared loop handles, bell-shaped upper body and flat everted rim; band of incised chevrons to the equator, horizontal linear bands and ropework key patterns; one handle restored.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Ex private Orange Country collection. with Ancient Resources Auctions, Auction 34, 14 September 2014, lot 246. Accompanied by a detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.
LITERATURE: See Morandi, L., Early Iron Age Finds from the Villanovan cemetery of Colle Baroncio: remarks on early Vetulonia and its connections, in Mediterranean Archaeology, 2013.
113
ROMAN TERRACOTTA LION RHYTON ‡
LATE 2ND-EARLY 3RD CENTURY A.D.
8 in. (1.5 kg total, 20.5 cm high including stand).
Modelled naturalistically in the round in an advancing pose with face, muzzle and tooth detailing within the open mouth, the tufts of the animal's mature mane individually rendered; filling hole on the back; the mouth open acting as a spout; North African workmanship; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
with Sotheby’s London, 9 December 1994, lot 221.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11797-206532.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Richter, G.M.A., Animals in Greek Sculpture, Oxford, 1930, pp.3ff; Toynbee, J.M.C., Tierwelt der Antike, Mainz-Rhine, 1983, pp.54ff.; Padgett, J.M. (ed.), Roman Sculpture in the Art Museum Princeton University, Princeton, 2001, p.257, no.97; Liverani, P., Spinola, G., Vaticano, La Sala degli animali nel Museo Pio-Clementino, City of Vatican, 2003.
FOOTNOTES:
The lion was famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labour, but it was also linked with the cult of the goddess Cybele, where it is usually represented sculptured in relief on either side of her throne.
114
ROMAN
TERRACOTTA FOOT LAMP ‡
2ND CENTURY A.D.
4¾ in. (112 grams, 12.2 cm).
Mould-made and shaped as a sandaled left foot, filling-hole surrounded by a ridge in the ankle area, the sandal with two leather straps tied together near the ankle, wick-hole in the big toe; inscription ' ' to the base, heel chipped.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
With Gorny & Mosch, Auction 194, 14 December 2010, lot 505.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11799-206830.
LITERATURE: See Bussière, J., Lindros Wohl, B., Ancient Lamps in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2017, no.599, p.438.
FOOTNOTES:
This lamp belongs to a type of plastic lamp made in Anatolia and widespread throughout the Eastern Empire. The sandaled foot was part of the classification of plastic lamps dedicated to the representation of the human body. These lamps were the luxuries of the poor, being brought to temples as votive offerings, however some took their place in the domestic lararia, or were kept by children as playthings.
116
ROMAN BRONZE STATUE OF MARS GRADIVUS ‡ 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5¼ in. (278 grams, 13.5 cm high).
Modelled in the round as a young beardless warrior hero with muscular body and rounded shoulders; wearing a high-crested pseudo-Attic helmet with a diadem; the hair arranged in orderly locks over his brow; the bent left hand would originally have held a shield and the extended right hand a spear.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection of Dr Djafari (1900-1981), Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11812-206498.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie grecque et romaine, Paris, 1930, pp.180 and 183, nos.7 (Louvre) and 2 (type B.Kerguerriec. Coll.P. du Chatellier in Kernuz) for similar.
FOOTNOTES:
This statue of Mars Gradivus, the marching god of war, was probably a cult offering. The statuette still presents an archaic Etruscan hairstyle, being part of the Italic statuettes of the god produced as votive offering to the temples or for private lararia. A Gallo-Roman period temple dedicated to the cult of Mars with a similar statuette has recently been found in Brittany.
115
LARGE
GALLO-ROMAN BRONZE STATUETTE OF CUPID ‡
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
6¼ in. (403 grams, 16 cm high).
Modelled in the round leaping and winged, his right hand reaching above his head seemingly gesturing to retrieve arrows from a quiver once carried on his back, dressed in an exomis tunic leaving him naked below the torso, wearing a helmet or cap and ankle boots. £5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1994. Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11808-206795.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Daremberg - Saglio, Dictionnaire des Antiquités Grecques et Romaines, Paris, 1873-1917; Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 112-118, and especially 116bis, for similar Gallo-Roman examples; Boucher, S. and Tassinari, S., Bronzes Antiques I, Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Paris, 1976, p.31, no.23, for similar; Jashemski, W.J., The gardens of Pompeii: Herculaneum and the villas destroyed by Vesuvius, II volumes, New York, 1979.
FOOTNOTES:
Often the statues of Puttos or amorini (small loves) depicting personifications of Eros were covered with gold leaf. This was a frequent practice and the figures, when represented with wings, were known as chrysopteroi, meaning 'with golden wings'.
117
ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF DIONYSUS CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D. 19 in. (15.8 kg total, 48 cm high including stand).
A Roman copy of a Greek original, wearing a crown of leaves and corymbs, hair falling in straight lines underneath the diadem; full beard composed of four rows of thick tufts with drilled holes; slightly open mouth with a fleshy lower lip; low cheekbones and hollow cheeks; large almond-shaped eyes with lachrymal duct; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£30,000 - 40,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex private French collection, early 1960s. Acquired by the current owner in 2011.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna.
Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.129940. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11791-206395
LITERATURE:
See McDowall K.A., The so-called 'sardanapalus, in Journal of Hellenic Studies, 1904; Gasparri C., in LIMC III, 1,1986, s.v.Dionysos, 414-421; La Rocca E. (ed.), Il sorriso di Dioniso, Roma 2010; La Rocca E., Hermes-Thoth e Dioniso redentore, Dall'Egitto dei Tolomei al tardo- antico. Studí sul mosaico della Casa di Aion a Neo Paphos, Bullettino della Commissione Archeologica Comunale di Roma, Supplementi, 28, 2021.
FOOTNOTES:
The head finds comparable parallels with a series of herms representing philosophers, lyricists and the god Hermes, deriving from Greek originals of the 5th century B.C. The reworking of these typologies in a cultured environment is due to the diffusion of sculptures linked to the idea of speculative otium and withdrawal into the bucolic world of which Dionysus was guardian and protector. The typology of the representation associates him with the concept of continuous rebirth and fertility of nature, typical of Dionysus Lenaeus.
118
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH EROS HARASSING A BIRD IN A TREE
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.56 grams, 14 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with nude Eros, holding a fowling-rod, approaching a tree with a bird, a line marking the ground. £600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. for similar see British Museum, accession no. 1923.0401.486, in Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.2869.
119
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH OWL BETWEEN CORNUCOPIAE
1ST CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.65 grams, 13 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with the bird facing, flanked by two opposing cornucopiae. £700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Henig, M., A corpus of Roman Engraved Gemstones from British Sites, Oxford, 2007, for similar gemstones with caduceus (no.422) and calathus (App.54) flanked by cornucopiae.
120
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH FORTUNA
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (1.33 grams, 16 mm).
The oval intaglio depicting the goddess standing, facing right, dressed in peplos, holding a steering-oar and cornucopia
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1749.
ROMAN JASPER GEMSTONE WITH MERCURY 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.79 grams, 15 mm).
The god depicted naked, standing, looking left, holding a caduceus and a purse.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. British Museum inventory no. 1917,0501.566, in Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1385, for similar.
FOOTNOTES:
After his identification with the Greek Hermes, the Roman artists who realised his images for the Roman magistrates used the specific Greek elements of his personality (the winged low cap petasos, the face of a shaved young man, the caduceus, the winged shoes of Phekasia type) but added the attribute of a purse, specific to Mercury.
122
ROMAN INSCRIBED ORANGE SARDONYX GEMSTONE WITH PHILOSOPHER SEATED UNDER A TREE
1ST CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (1.01 grams, 13 mm).
The oval stone engraved with an old man (a philosopher?) seated on a stone, wearing a low cap, half naked and with the cloak covering his leg; his right hand resting beside him, and his left hand raised in the act of speaking; a tree behind, inscription in Greek letters ' ' (= eat).
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
See similar image of a seated philosopher in Provincia di Venezia, Piccolo mondo antico, la collezione glittica torcellana (Small Ancient World, the glyptic collection from Torcello, in Italian), Venezia, 2014, p.39.
FOOTNOTES: A particularly recognisable representation in Graeco-Roman art was that of a male character, with a bald head and a slightly pointed beard, seated in profile on a simple seat or on a rock. It represents the philosopher, who often has his hand raised in the gesture of speaking or holds a volume in his hands, characterised according to the rules of cynicism, by the bare torso and the cloak that covers his legs. The inscription refers to the imperative to 'feed' on knowledge.
124
ROMAN POLYCHROME WALL PAINTING FRAGMENT
MID 1ST CENTURY A.D.
6¾ in. (1.26 kg total, 17 cm high including stand).
Decorated with a frieze of foliage and volutes from which a blossom is springing, the image framed by a green band of arrows, an ochre and cream line border below; background painted in magnificent rosso pompeiano (Pompeian red); mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
From a European collection formed in the 19th century or earlier, based on the custom-made tooled leather box similar to another fragment kept in a case of similar manufacture with a label reading 'Fragment de Pompéi provenant de la vente Préat 1868' sold at Sotheby's New York, 12 December 2013, lot 84. Mitsukoshi department store, Nihonbashi, Tokyo, by 1974. Japanese art market, 1974-1978.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no 11826-207724.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Gullini, G., La pittura romana, Torino, 1969, pp.72ff.; Gullini, G., Problemi di pittura romana, Torino, 1972, pp.60ff.; Andreae, B., Cangik, H., De Martino, F., Grilli, A., Gullini, G., Princeps Urbium, cultura e vita sociale nell’Italia Romana, Milano, 1991, fig.126; Maulucci, F.P., Pompei, Guida Archeologica degli scavi con itinerari, piante e ricostruzioni, Napoli-Milano, 1987; Berg, R., Kuivalainen, I., Domus Pompeiana M. Lucretii, IX,3, 5.24, The inscriptions, Works of Art and Finds from the Old and New Excavations, Vantaa, 2019, fig.7, p.215; for Roman painting of this type in general see Henig, M., A Handbook of Roman Art, a comprehensive survey of all the arts of the Roman world, New York, 1983, p.96.
FOOTNOTES:
Our painted stucco was probably part of a decorative frame, like that visible in the cubiculum of the Villa of P. Fannius Sinistor, in Boscoreale, which is earlier but represents a model of continuity through the decoration of the Roman walls. This filling of the tablinum and other rooms with ornamental plant-type columns and panels decorated with leaves and plant scrolls is found in Pompeii in certain houses, such as that of Caecilius Jucundus.
ROMAN POLYCHROME WALL PAINTING FRAGMENT WITH WINGED SIREN
LATE 1ST CENTURY B.C.-EARLY 2ND CENTURY A.D.
6¼ in. (979 grams total, 16 cm high including stand).
Decorated with a frieze of partially preserved acanthus volutes from which emerges a figure of a winged female, possibly a siren, the body and the head of a woman with brown hair, the outstretched wings in pink and yellow; ochre background, cream-coloured line border with a green raised edge (part of the wall) below; mounted on a custommade display stand.
£12,000 - 17,000
PROVENANCE:
From a European collection formed in the 19th century or earlier, based on the custom-made tooled leather box similar to another fragment kept in a case of similar manufacture with a label reading 'Fragment de Pompéi provenant de la vente Préat 1868' sold at Sotheby's New York, 12 December 2013, lot 84. Mitsukoshi department store, Nihonbashi, Tokyo, by 1974. Japanese art market, 1974-1978.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no 11828-207723.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Gullini, G., La pittura romana, Torino, 1969, pp.72ff.; Gullini, G., Problemi di pittura romana, Torino, 1972, pp.60ff.; De Franciscis, A., The Pompeian Wall paintings in the Roman Villa of Oplontis, Recklinghausen, 1975, pls.17,23; Barham, N., ‘Theorizing Image and Abstraction in Ancient Rome: the Case of the Villa Farnesina’, in Association for Art History, 2021, pp.165-185, fig.3; for the iconography of the sirens in Roman paintings see a wall painting in the British Museum accession no.1867,0508.1354 in Hinks, R.P., Catalogue of the Greek, Etruscan & Roman Paintings & Mosaics in the British Museum: Paintings, London, 1933, fig.27.
FOOTNOTES:
This painted stucco was probably part of a decorative frame. Such decorations can be seen on the famous Villa of Oplontis, where the painted walls of the Triclinium nr. 14 have been divided thrice by columns with a sphinx as ornament on the top of the pillar, decorated with acanthus scrolls and sirens beneath the sphinxes.
125
ROMAN BRONZE-HANDLED KEY WITH PANTHER
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (74 grams, 77 mm).
The bronze handle modelled as the forequarters of a panther leaping from a crown of fronds, with stylised facial detailing; iron stem, bit and wards.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s.
From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
126
ROMAN SILVER-GILT RING WITH BUST OF GODDESS
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
⅜ in. (12.63 grams, 34.40 mm overall, 21.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10½, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)).
Composed of a large hoop with raised tongue-shaped plaques at the shoulders, bezel formed as the bust of goddess Selene wearing a crescentic crown; trace remains of gilding.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s.
From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
127
ROMAN BRONZE JUPITER DOLICHENUS EAGLE PAIR ‡
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3½ - 3⅝ in. (487 grams total, 89-92 mm).
The imperial birds modelled in the round, each standing on the head of a horned bull, wings partially spread; semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and feathers; suspension loop behind the neck. [2]
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1992.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Speidel, M.P., 'Eagle-bearer and trumpeter' in Bonner Jahrbucher, 176, 1976, pp.123-163; Greet, B.J.R., The Roman Eagle: A Symbol and Its Evolution, Leeds, 2015, figs.6.7, 6.8.
FOOTNOTES:
The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus was a variant of worship of Zeus from Asia Minor whose mystery cult was widespread in the Roman Empire from the early 2nd to mid-3rd centuries A.D., especially in the military. The god is usually represented mounting a bull, with the double axe (labrys or bipennis) in his right raised hand, and dressed in the military attire of a Roman general.
128
ROMAN BRONZE CANDELABRUM BASE WITH DOLPHINS
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
7¾ in. (980 grams, 19.5 cm).
Tripod form with splayed legs, feet formed as scallops and legs as sinuous dolphins, scallops between the tails; central column with fixing spike.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s.
129
ROMAN BRONZE FIGURE OF AN EAGLE ‡
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
2⅜ in. (111 grams, 62 mm).
Naturalistically modelled in the round, standing with wings folded against the body, head turned left, feather detailing and recessed circular eyes; feet absent.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 2001.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11857-206794.
ROMAN BRONZE MILITARY DIPLOMA FOR MARONAS BADDEUS, A SOLDIER OF ALA BOSPORANORUM DATED
Bifacial discharge plaque honesta missio, for a soldier from Commagene serving under Emperor Trajan; Side A: diplomatic text in fourteen lines of seriffed capitals:
[IMPERATOR CAESAR DIVI NERVAE FILIVS NERVA TRAIANVS
AVGVSTVS GERMANICVS DACICVS PONTIFEX MAXIMVS
TRIBVNICIA POTESTATE VI IMPERATOR IIII CONSUL IIII
PATER PATRIAE ... QUORUM NOMINA SUBSCRIPTA SUNT IPSIS
LIBERIS POSTERISQUE EORVM CIVITATEM DEDIT ET CO]
NUBIVM CVM UXORIBVS QVAS TVNC
HABVISSENT CVM EST CIVITAS IIS DA-
TA AVT SIQVI CELIBES ESSENT CVM
IIS QUAS POSTEA DVXISSENT DVMTAXAT SINGVLI SINGVLAS
A (NTE) D(IEM) XIII K(ALENDAS) DECEMBR(ES)
L(VCIO) ANTONIO ALBO M(ARCO) IVNIO HOMVLLO CO(N)S(VLIBVS)
ALAE BOSPORANORVM CVI PRAEST
C(AIVS) IVLIUS CAPITO GREGALI
MARONAE BADDAEI F(ILIO) COMMAGEN(IENSI)
DESCRIPT(VM) ET RECOGNIT(VM)
EX TABVLA AENEA QVAE FIXA EST ROMAE
Side B: tabulation in two columns of witness names in seriffed rustic capitals:
L. TERENTI • NEPOTIS (Seal of) Lucius Terentius Nepos
T. VILLI • [hole for sealing the document] HERACLIDES (Seal of) Titus Villus Heraclides
A. LARCI • PHRONIMI (Seal of) A. Larcius Phronimus
Q • AEMILI • SOTERICI (Seal of) Quintus Aemilius Sotericus
P. CAVLI • VITALIS (Seal of) Publius Caulius Vitalis
L. PVLLI • [hole for sealing the document]CHARITONIS (Seal of) Lucius Pullius Chariton
P. ATINI • TROPHIMI (Seal of) Publius Atinius Trophimus
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11858-207740.
FOOTNOTES:
In the 1st century the Ala Bosporanorum was camped near the Euphrates. It was stationed in Dacia in the 2nd century; stayed for a while in Vecel, from where it went to Maroskeresztúr, where stamped bricks of their building work appear. The unit was also stationed in upper Pannonia in 116 A.D.
131
LARGE
ROMAN BRONZE STAFF FINIAL WITH BUST OF SERAPIS ‡
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
11⅝ in. (1.4 kg, 29.5 cm high).
With luxuriant long wavy hair and characteristic vertical locks at the forehead, full beard with two large ringlets below the chin, wearing a chiton and a himation draped over the left shoulder, the head surmounted by a corn modius decorated with olive branch in relief, the bust supported on the back of an eagle standing atop an orb with spread wings, the eagle with its head slightly turned to the left, the feathers finely detailed; a finial from a staff or a ceremonial standard.
£80,000 - 100,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex private collection, South Germany, 1980. with Gorny and Mosch, Munich, 13 December 2003, lot 74. with Christie's, New York, 8 June 2012, lot 239.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11789-206489.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar bust in the Virginia Museum of fine Arts, inventory no.98.23; another similar piece, but with the eagle upon the polos, in Mitten, D.G., Doeringer, S.F., Master Bronzes from the Classical World, Exhibition, Fogg Art Museum/City Museum of Saint Louis/Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1967-1968, no.217; for a bronze bust without eagle see the bust of Zeus Serapis in the Saint Louis Art Museum, inv. no. 69:1923.
FOOTNOTES:
The Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211 A.D.) modelled many of his portraits based on Serapis. But it was under Hadrian that the refurbishment of the statue in the Serapeum increased the demand for small-scale images, like this one, probably made during his reign and used atop of a processional sceptre or standard for the cult of the god.
132
ROMAN BRONZE LAMP WITH THEATRICAL MASK ‡
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5¼ in. (220 grams, 13.3 cm).
Nozzle with quasi-volutes, theatrical mask surrounding the central opening; ring-handle with palmette attachment; base moulded.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired from Weber, Kohl. Ex private collection, Rhemish, Germany. with Gorny & Mosch, 14 December 2010, lot 499. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11800-206492.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of the Greek and Roman lamps in the British Museum, London, 1914, no.1468, for the type.
FOOTNOTES:
The principal parts of a lamp were the body or reservoir which contained the oil (infundibulum); the flat circular top (discus) on which the design, if any, was placed, sometimes with an ornamented rim (margo), the nozzle, with a hole for the insertion of the wick (rostrum, nasus, myxus), the wick, known as ellydinium, the handle (ansa, manubrium).
133
LARGER THAN LIFE-SIZE ROMAN BRONZE SATYR'S EAR ‡
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
7¼ in. (767 grams, 18.5 cm).
Probably from a colossal statue of Silenus or a satyr, detailed and naturalistic rendering of a left ear, conical shape with accurate depiction of the internal hair.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1995. Private collection, Europe.
LITERATURE:
Cf. various statuettes of satyrs with similar ears in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inventory nos.1972.118.68 (Etruscan, 5th century B.C.), 07.286.90 (1st century A.D.); see a bronze statue of Silenus with a wineskin found in 1754 around the impluvium of the Villa dei Papiri, Herculaneum, now in Naples Archaeological Museum, inventory number 5006.
FOOTNOTES:
In the mythology of ancient Greece and in the Graeco-Roman literary world, satyrs were a community of beings who lived mostly in woods, surrounded by nature, and often together with nymphs. In the most ancient period they were imagined by the Greeks like Sileni, in human form, but with the ears, tail and sometimes hooves of horses. Seilenoi were depicted as fat, elderly, white-haired men, with snub noses, balding heads, and the ears and tails of asses. They were sometimes covered in fluffy white hair and occasionally sported a pair of ox horns.
134
ROMAN BRONZE LOWER PART OF A RIGHT FOOT ‡
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5⅛ in. (627 grams, 13 cm).
With finely modelled anatomical details, the second toe longer to emphasise the physical perfection of the physique.
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 2001. Private collection, Europe.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Boucher, S. and Tassinari, S., Bronzes Antiques I, Inscriptions, Statuaire, Vaisselle, Paris, 1976, p.91, no.86, for a similar fragment.
135
ROMAN BRONZE FIGURE OF JUPITER AS ZEUS BRONTAIOS ‡ 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
6⅛ in. (384 grams total, 15.5 cm high including stand).
Depicted nude in contrapposto pose, his weight on his right leg, the left leg flexed and advancing; the hair and beard formed as a dense mass of curls; a full beard complementing his luxuriant curls; slender, muscular body with defined anatomical details; mounted on a custommade display stand.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
with Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel, 02.1976, lot 51. Acquired in Europe in 2017.
Accompanied by copies of relevant pages of Münzen und Medaillen AG. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11792-206488.
LITERATURE:
See no.195a in Leventi, 'Zeus' in LIMC and nos.243-244 in Leventi and Machaira, 'Zeus' in LIMC; Christie's, Antiquities, New York, 4 June 2008, lot 255; the type is also visible in various statues of Zeus, for example an example in the Cabinet Des Medailles, published in Rolley, C.I., Monumenta Graeca et Romana volume V : Les arts mineurs grecs fascicule 1: Les Bronzes, Paris, 1967, pl.30; Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, XVIII supplément à ‘Gallia’, Paris, 1965, no.15; Jongkees, J.H., Jongkees-Vos, M.F., in Varia Archaeologica, Ter Burg, 1971, pp.25ff.
FOOTNOTES:
The prototype of Zeus Brontaios, or Zeus the Thunderer, has been attributed to a Greek original by sculptor Leochares, c. 370-360 B.C. The statue was realised by Leochares to celebrate the founding of Megalopolis, in 371 B.C. The god would have held a sceptre in his left hand and cradled his thunderbolt in his right.
136
ROMAN BRONZE FIGURE OF DIANA ‡ 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (155 grams total, 12.5 cm high including stand).
Standing with her weight on her right leg, the left leg slightly bent, looking towards her left; the hair gathered at the nape of the neck; dressed in a short pleated sleeveless chiton, puffed up at the waist and falling above her knees, small boots with the strings tied above the ankles; carrying a quiver held by a strap passing over the right shoulder across her breasts; her lowered left arm was probably holding a bow, her right arm raised above her shoulder in the act of drawing an arrow from her quiver; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE: Ex Mr. A.J. collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Acquired in Europe in 2014. Private collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11793-206487
LITERATURE:
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 66, for a similar figure; see also Artemis in Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae (LIMC), vol.II, 1 and 2, Zurich-Munich, 1984, under voice Artemis, pp.618ff., pl.442, especially nos.328 and 351.
FOOTNOTES:
This example depicts a well-attested type of Diana (Greek Artemis) goddess of the hunt. The slight swaying and the folds of the garment recall a Greek work of the classical period, widely copied by the Romans. The statuette is a good artwork from the Roman period, with identical copies spread throughout the empire, as many similar figures came from Naples, Bligny-sur-Dache, Trebizond, Carnuntum, and Vienna. The statuette was probably intended for a domestic altar (lararium).
137
CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH BUST OF ZEUS ROMAN, 2ND CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
⅝ in. (0.68 grams, 15 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with a bearded head of Zeus or an emperor in profile, bearded, a laurel crown laced behind the neck.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1998, for similar.
138
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH FARMER AND OXEN
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
⅜ in. (0.38 grams, 10 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with a man driving a pair of oxen with plough to left, a detailed tree with branches in the background, ground line under the oxen.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. no.633 of the Lost Gems of the Malborough collection, for a similar scene, in Boardman, J., The Malborough Gems. Formerly at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Oxford, 2009; cf. also Various, Catalogue of the Malborough Gems, being a collection of Works in Cameo and Intaglio formed by George, Third Duke of Malborough, Oxford, 1875, no.633.
139
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH SERAPIS AND EAGLE BETWEEN TWO MILITARY STANDARDS
2ND CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (0.87 grams, 17 mm).
The oval intaglio with bust of Serapis right, above an eagle with wings spread, two military signa to the sides.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1273; Sena Chiesa, G., Gemme del Museo Nazionale di Aquileia (Associazione Nazionale per Aquileia), Padova, 1966, nos.39-40; Hornbostel, W., Sarapis, Leiden, 1973, p.222; Zwierlein-Diehl, E., Die antiken Gemmen des Kunsthistorischen Museums in Wien, vol. 2, Munich, 1979, no.1247; Philipp, H., Mira et Magica: Gemmen im Äegyptischen Museum der Staatlichen Museen PreuBischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin-Charlottenburg, Mainz, 1986, nos.57-58.
140
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH HORSE AND CAVALRY
MAN
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
⅜ in. (0.27 grams, 9 mm).
The rounded intaglio with a horseman, helmetted or wearing a causia, with flying cloak, riding towards left.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1010, for similar.
141
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH SERAPIS AND ISIS
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (2.51 grams, 18 mm).
The oval intaglio showing Serapis holding a sceptre and wearing a modius upon his head; Isis, wearing a feather(?) headdress and holding a sistrum
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1030, for the type.
142
ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF A YOUTH ‡ 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
9⅞ in. (4.59 kg total, 25 cm high including stand).
Naturalistically modelled in the round, large and deep eyes with a thoughtful expression under the heavy eyelids; lips lightly profiled and parted; the back and lower part roughly treated indicating that it was prepared to be installed in a hollow or part of a relief; mounted on a custom-made display base.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex private Swiss collection, prior to the late 1980s. Acquired at Camels-Cohen Auction 228, Paris, France, 16 & 17 September 2003, lot 324.
Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by an academic report by Professor Neritan Ceka. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11806-206511.
LITERATURE:
See Burn, L., Hellenistic Art: From Alexander the Great to Augustus London, 2004; Toynbee, J., Roman Historical Portraits, Ithaca, 1978; Pollini, J. (ed.), Roman Portraiture: Images of Character and Virtue. Exhibition catalogue, Los Angeles, 1990.
FOOTNOTES:
The realistic style of treatment of the portrait and the preservation of classical features, in the examples of Cicero, Pompeius, or Agrippa, lead us to the last period of Roman republican portraiture, around the middle of the 1st century B.C. On the other hand, the frontal symmetry of the face, the serious expression of the eyes and the hair behind the neck, refer to the Greek sculpture of the Rigorous Style, from which the presentation of the portrait may have been inspired. These features could suggest also dating of the portrait to the last decades of the rule of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty in Rome, when there is a return to the realistic tradition of the portrait, as well as to the hairstyle with the parallel curls of the hair on the forehead in the figures, as in the portrait of Emperor Caligula (37-41 A.D.).
143 ROMAN GEOMETRIC FLOOR MOSAIC CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
61¼ in. (82.5 kg, 156 cm wide including frame).
Fragment or portion of floor mosaic, showing a composition of alternated patterns of different coloured squares in chequerboard pattern, combined in diagonal rows of light yellow, light blue, off-white, pink, red, light violet, again off-white, light grey, light grey, dark grey, off-white, light yellow (repeated two times) light blue and off-white shadows; on the lower part a red line is edging the composition over an off-white band.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11822-207409.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Ling, R., Ancient Mosaics, London, 1998, p.114 (Mosaics from Ampurias, Spain) for parallel; Arce, J., Ensoli, S. & La Rocca, E., Hispania Romana. Da Terra Di Conquista a Provincia dell'Impero, Venezia, 1997, p.314, fig.3 (Mosaic of Quintanilla de la Queza).
FOOTNOTES:
The square-decorated mosaics had a strong presence in the Hispanic provinces, with some 1st century A.D. examples in the houses of Ampurias, up to the late imperial examples of the Villa of Palencia (archaeological site of La Tejada) where the main rooms show wall paintings with geometric, vegetal or decorations imitating marbles, and mosaics with simple geometric decorations alternating with elegant decorative motifs such as swastikas, chequered motifs or ropes, and Solomonic symbols. The chequerboard motif was widespread, and it is visible also in the 3rd-4rd century mosaic of the Roman Villa of Brading or in the house found under the Museum of Lincoln, in Britain.
144
ROMAN BRONZE FOLDING TRIPOD WITH BACCHUS BUSTS AND PANTHER ‡ 2ND CENTURY A.D.
39¾ in. (9.9 kg, 101 cm).
With three extendable legs each topped with bust of Bacchus, his long hair collected in a crown of vine leaves and branches, wearing a panther skin exomis; the feet formed as feline paws; the middle part of the frontal leg formed as an S-curve topped with a panther's head with open jaws.
£40,000 - 60,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection of Dr Djafari (1900-1981), Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11801-206499.
LITERATURE:
See a similar tripod decorated with horses in the Paul Getty Museum, in Mattusch, C.C., Enduring Bronze: Ancient Art, Modern Views, Los Angeles, 2014, pp. 72-73, fig. 52a-b, inv. no. 96.AC.203; three similar tripods decorated with head of Bacchus and Attis, have been found in Pannonia and Noricum, see Palagyi, T., Facsady, A., Romains de Hongrie, Lyon, 2002, p.37, and fig.103 (from the chariot grave at Környe), fig.291 (from Zomba); Traxler, S., Lang, F., Schlag, B., Die Rücckehr der Legion, Romisches Erbe in Oberössterreich, Linz, 2018, p.74; for a 6th-7th century A.D. Roman example see Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, fig.355.
FOOTNOTES:
Folding tripod stands were well known in the ancient world, in both Greek and Roman contexts. These folding supports for tables, bracers and cauldrons are known finds from important excavations in the Roman world, like Pompeii. The purpose of such folding stands varied: during the meal they were placed between the triclinary beds, and bowls and application plates were hung to the hooks at the back of the holders, here shaped like the heads of a Bacchus. They were also used for the fire in military encampments, or in the temples of the gods. Others were used as the support frames for bronze bowls, either for washing or for ritual purposes. Many were offered as funerary gifts, like the splendid example in the chariot grave of Környe. Roman folding tripods were also used in religious rituals (here clearly linked to the cult of the god of wine, as shown by the presence of panthers) and sacrifices. Burnt offerings and libations were offered to the gods in cauldrons that would have been attached to the hooks behind the heads on the upper section.
145
ROMAN GLASS SPRINKLER VESSEL
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (77 grams, 10 cm high).
Piriform green jar raised on five small feet to the base, collar to the conical neck and chamfered rim; to the lower neck a disc with narrow central opening; to the outer face of the body, double wavey trail to the upper and lower body.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
146
ROMAN YELLOW GLASS ALABASTRON
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (66.2 grams, 10.1 cm).
Globular body with slightly dimpled base, short neck, everted rim, applied pale green handles
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
147
ROMAN AMBER GLASS PILGRIM'S FLASK
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (107 grams, 15.2 cm high).
With tubular neck and everted rim.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 17.194.93 and 81.10.51, for similar.
148
ROMAN COBALT BLUE GLASS FLASK
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (24.9 grams, 10.2 cm high).
A bulbous bottle with tall neck and everted rim, spiral engraving to the body.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
149
ROMAN REUSED INKED WOODEN WAX TABLET RELATING TO SHEEP AND CLOTHING 4TH CENTURY A.D.
7⅝ x 6⅜ in. (50 grams, 19.5 x 16 cm).
The shallow recessed panel displaying seventeen lines of hand-inked cursive text; reverse bearing twenty lines of hand-inked cursive text with a shallow rectangular vertical recess which once held wax seals; pierced twice on the upper and lower edges for attachment. [No Reserve]
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From an important London collection since 1975.
LITERATURE:
See Thomas, J. D., Vindolanda: The Latin Writing Tablets, Britannia Monograph Series No 4, London, 1983, for examples of wooden tabulae re-used as writing surfaces; for examples of testamentary documents on wooden tablets that have survived, see FIRA III, p.47, for Anthony Silvanus from 142 AD, also see BGU VII 1695 for Safinnius Herminus; for another from Transfynydd, North Wales, see Arch. Camb. 150, pp.143-156.
PUBLISHED:
Rothenhoefer, P., Neue römische Rechtsdokumente aus dem Byzacena-Archiv / New Roman Legal Documents from the Byzacena Archive, (forthcoming).
FOOTNOTES:
Prof. Dr. Phil. Peter Rotenhoefer says: "The tablet is the second tabula of a testament consisting normally of three tablets (a tryptich). It contains in a highly formalistic legal language legacies for various persons (inter alia a Iulia) who receive certain items like e.g. sheep and clothes. 17 lines of cursive script on the first page, 20 lines on the rear."
150
LARGE ROMAN TERRACOTTA DISCUS LAMP WITH FOLIAGE
1ST CENTURY A.D.
5 in. (93 grams, 12.5 cm).
Broad discus with palmette scrolls to the shoulders and broad nozzle, low-relief wreath of leaves and buds.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Ex collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.1963,0715.41.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
LATE EASTERN ROMAN GOLD RING WITH EMERALDS AND GARNETS
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (6.97 grams, 24.18 mm overall, 15.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E½, USA 2½, Europe 3, Japan 3)).
Comprising a square-section hoop with expanding shoulders, each shoulder set with a garnet cabochon and the raised square bezel with an emerald.
£3,500 - 4,500
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11783-204563.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Daremberg & Saglio, Dictionnaire des Antiquités Grecques et Romaines, Paris, 1873-1917; similar example in the British Museum, in Marshall, F.H., Dictionnaire Catalogue of the finger rings Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the departments of Antiquities of British Museum, London, 1968 p.189, pl. XXIX, n. 1196; Chadour, A.B., Rings, The Alice and Louis Koch collection, Leeds, 1994, no.332, for a similar type; also nos.428 and 430, for rings with garnet and emeralds.
152 ROMAN GOLD RING WITH DOLPHIN GEMSTONE
1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.60 grams, 23.61 mm overall, 20.69 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7½, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
With D-section shank, ellipsoid stepped bezel, inset sardonyx intaglio dolphin.
£3,500 - 4,500
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11859-206976.
LITERATURE: Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 191, for type.
153
ROMAN GOLD RING WITH JUPITER GEMSTONE
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (9.99 grams, 33.21 mm overall, 22.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U½, USA 10¼, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)).
Large hollow-formed hoop with inset intaglio of Jupiter in bone, standing robed carrying a staff, dog at this side.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired on the French art market in the 1990s. Rogers collection, Suffolk, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11860-207248.
LITERATURE: Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, items 170, 171, for type.
154
ROMAN AQUAMARINE GEM WITH HEAD OF SERAPIS IN GOLD RING
1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.98 grams, 26.40 mm overall, 20.24 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10½, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)).
The intaglio bearing the bearded head of the god Serapis; gold ring with slender hoop and openwork tripartite shoulders, held in an oval claw setting; stamped '9ct' to the interior. [No Reserve]
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Early 20th century collection based on the ring. Acquired on the London art market. Property of a North London antiquary.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11861-206034.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
ROMAN GOLD RING WITH GEM DEPICTING ALEXANDER THE GREAT HUNTING
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (33.97 grams, 31.98 mm overall, 20.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9½, Europe 21.26, Japan 20))
Composed of a large openwork hoop and bezel set with a jasper gemstone, intaglio image of a mounted cavalryman wearing a highcrested pseudo-Corinthian helmet and holding a barbed javelin in his hand, protecting his horse from the leaping lion attacking from the rear, a tree behind.
£30,000 - 40,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired on the New York art market in 1995. Ex French collection. with Christie's, London, 25th April 2007, lot 187. Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.079872. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11775-204565.
LITERATURE: See Marshall, F.H., Harcourt-Smith, C., Catalogue of the Finger Rings, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities British Museum, London, 1907, item 801, for similar gold ring; Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 214, for type; for comparable lion hunting scene see Boardman, J., Greek Gems and finger rings, early Bronze Age to Late Classical, London, 1973 (2001), nos.924,1070.
FOOTNOTES: The massive size, shape and the volute decoration is typical of the 3rd century A.D. and similar rings are visible in the collections of the British Museum and Mainz State Museum. The subject of the intaglio is made with great skill, exquisite artistry and engraved in fine detail. The lion hunt theme is typical of the Hellenistic world since the time of Alexander the Great.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
ROMAN NICOLO GEMSTONE WITH THESEUS HOLDING SWORD
3RD CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (1.08 grams, 15 mm).
The oval intaglio with nude youthful Theseus to left, holding a sword in sheath with belt for attachment.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1909, for similar.
FOOTNOTES: Theseus was one of the greatest and most popular heroes of Greek mythology and is closely associated with the city-state of Athens. Theseus is also known for many other adventures: however, he is more famous for slaying the Minotaur at the Labyrinth of Crete.
157
ROMAN CHALCEDONY GEMSTONE WITH MUSE EUTERPES
1ST CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (0.77 grams, 14 mm).
The muse standing on a baseline with her head in profile, resting her left arm on a cithara, carrying a laurel branch in her extended right hand, the weight of the body resting on the right leg.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar images of Apollo in Behemerid, A.G., ‘La coleccion Cluniense de Gliptica’, in BSAA arqueologia, LXXI, 2005, pp.185-208, pl.I, no.6.
158
ROMAN BIFACIAL GREEN JASPER GEMSTONE WITH SADDLED
MALE DONKEY AND EVM
1ST CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.98 grams, 12 mm).
The intaglio with a donkey (mule?) grazing, body facing right; Latin inscription on the verso ‘EVM’ (him).
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf., for a similar gemstone in the Venezia Archaeological National Museum, inventory no.G138; cf. Sena Chiesa, G., Gemme del Museo Nazionale di Aquileia, 1966, no.1050, p.349.
159
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH TWO VICTORIES
4TH CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (1.64 grams, 17 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with two winged Victories, facing each other in profile, wearing long garments crossed on the breast like a trabea consularis, both holding a staff-standard with a double forked tip.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. a very similar winged Victory in a 7th century A.D. pendant with an ancient Roman gemstone, in Kornbluth, G., ‘The Transformative Power of the Metalwork Mount’ in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, p.254, pl.21.
FOOTNOTES:
The iconography of two Victories facing each other is clearly from Late Antiquity and reflects the images of the two victorious empires - East and West - that, transformed into winged Nikes, are holding together the standard with the chirho (the two Greek letters forming the initials of the name of Christ), conceived as a long shaft topped by the Greek letter P (R) and the superimposed letter X.
160
ROMAN CHALCEDONY GEMSTONE WITH APHRODITE KALLIPYGOS
1ST CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.84 grams, 12 mm).
The goddess seen from behind, drapery around her legs, resting her left hand on a column and holding up an object in her right hand.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.3859.
FOOTNOTES:
The famous statue of Aphrodite Kallipygos, the model for this gemstone, recalls a story reported in the Deipnosophists of Athenaeus regarding the foundation of a temple to her in ancient Syracuse. According to Athenaeus, two beautiful sisters from a farm near Syracuse quarrelled over which of them had the most shapely buttocks, and approached a young passer-by to judge. They showed themselves to the traveller, the son of a rich man, and he voted for the older sister. Later, he fell in love with her and fell ill with lovesickness. Upon learning of what had happened, the man's younger brother went to see the girls and fell in love with the younger sister. Consequently the brothers refused to consider any other brides forcing the father to arrange for the sisters to come and marry them. The townspeople nicknamed the sisters ‘Kallipygoi’ (‘Women with Beautiful Behinds’) and the young men, with their newfound prosperity, dedicated a temple to Aphrodite, naming her ‘Kallipygos’.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
161
ROMAN GOLD RING WITH MINERVA GEMSTONE
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.24 grams, 26.31 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10½, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)).
With granule cluster to one shoulder, drum-shaped bezel with inset nicolo intaglio of Minerva helmetted with shield, axe and spear; restored.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Rogers collection, Suffolk, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, items 211, 369.
162
ROMAN GOLD RING WITH THESEUS GEMSTONE
1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.79 grams, 24.29 mm overall, 21.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)).
With flange rim to the ellipsoid bezel, inset banded agate gemstone, intaglio Theseus standing nude with a sword.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11862-206980.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 204, for type.
163 ROMAN GOLD RING WITH MEDUSA CAMEO
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (5.83 grams, 22.07 mm overall, 17.23 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H½, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)).
With facetted shoulders, D-shaped cell enclosing a carved Medusa bust modelled in the round.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11863-207049.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, items 183, 185, for type.
164
ROMAN GOLD PENDANT WITH CAMEO
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (4.03 grams, 26 mm).
An oval box setting with flange rim, set with a female cameo bust; gusseted suspension loop to top edge.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Henig, M., The Content Cameos, Oxford, 1990, p.62, items 107-109, for comparable frame.
165
ROMAN BURNT CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH MARS AND MINERVA
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.87 grams, 14 mm).
The oval intaglio with Mars Ultor and Minerva facing each other; Mars to the left with a spear in raised left hand, armed with helmet, armour and sword, his right hand resting on the shield beside him; Minerva to the right, wearing a helmet, shield and aegis
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. very similar image of Mars in Platz-Horster, G., ‘Die antiken Gemmen aus Xanten. Teil III: Neufunde, Neuerwerbungen, Nachtrage und Auswertung,’ in Xantener Berichte, Band 15, Grabung-Forschung-Präsentation, Mainz, 2009, pp.129-182, p.155, cat.no.33.
166
ROMAN GEMSTONE WITH GODDESS DEMETER
2ND CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (1.40 grams, 18 mm).
On burnt sard or carnelian, the goddess fully draped, seated on a throne without a back and holding out wheat ears in her hand over what seems like a small conical altar with horns.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Osborne, D., Engraved gems, Signets, Talismans and ornamental intaglios, ancient and modern, New York, 1912, pl.XXIII, no.2, p.362, for similar.
167
ROMAN CARNELIAN GEMSTONE WITH ASCLEPIUS
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
½ in. (0.69 grams, 12 mm).
The oval intaglio engraved with Asclepius standing with head turned to the right, naked upper body, himation draped around his lower body, holding a caduceus with his right hand.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. for similar Nardelli, B., 'Late Roman Gems from Tilurium in Croatia' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.130-134, pl.3.
168
ROMAN GOLD EARRING PAIR WITH GREEN GLASS AND PEARL DROPS
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
⅛ in. (3.15 grams total, 29 mm each).
Each composed of an ear hoop with hook-and-eye closure, rectangular box setting inlaid with green glass, faux ropework flange, two chain link dangles below featuring pearl beads. [2]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
169
ROMAN GOLD EARRING PAIRS ‡
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
⅝ - 2 in. (16.97 grams total, 42-50 mm).
Two pairs of earrings with decoratively twisted hoops, domed plaques and pyramid bulbs embellished with granule clusters; one pair with gold wire spirals to the plaques. [4]
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired between 1950-1970s. Ex Swiss private collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 08.251.5, .6, for a broadly similar earring.
the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
170
ROMAN SOLID GOLD RING WITH DOTTED BEZEL
3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.97 grams, 23.03 mm overall, 16.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3¼, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)).
With facetted shank and fluted shoulders, rectangular bezel with outer bands and central plaque bearing two lines of impressed points.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 180; Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 272, for type.
171
ROMAN GOLD AND GARNET FLORAL RING
1ST CENTURY B.C. AND LATER
¾ in. (2.39 grams, 21.13 mm overall, 16.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L½, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)).
Bezel formed as one circular and two piriform gold cells with large granules between and granulation to the rim of each cell; inset garnet cabochons, with later rectangular-section hoop.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 119, for type.
172
ROMAN GOLD EARRING PAIR WITH MODERN CLASPS
CIRCA 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
1⅛ in. (5.17 grams total, 47 mm each).
Each earring composed of an openwork drum-shaped body with domed top face decorated with filigree petals, the underside displaying a ring of bulbs, central dangle suspending a blue stone bead over a collared gold spacer bead and pearl bead below; modern ear-hooks to allow for wearing. [2]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1990s-2000s.
From the collection of a North London, UK, gentleman.
173
GOLD EARRINGS WITH BEADS
ROMAN, 1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
1⅜ in. (4.41 grams total, 35-37 mm).
Each composed of a slender round-section hoop tapering towards the closure, free-running dangle featuring an emerald green glass bead between gold annular beads. [2]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
174
ROMAN AND OTHER GOLD NECKLACE BEAD COLLECTION
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
⅛ -⅝ in. (19.31 grams total, 3-17 mm).
Composed mainly of sheet-gold beads of various types, including biconical, ribbed, doughnut-shaped, filigree and openwork examples, together with other forms, some possibly from India. [55]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: UK gallery, early 2000s.
175
ROMAN BRONZE LIONESS FIGURE
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2⅛ in. (130 grams, 54 mm).
Modelled in the round crouching with one forepaw held aloft, stylised detailing to the animal's coat, head, face and paws.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Christie's, London, A Peaceable Kingdom: The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, 26th-27th October 2004, p.187, for felines of comparable style.
176
ROMAN BRONZE HUNTING DOG
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2⅝ in. (87 grams, 67 mm).
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing to the coat, head and face, with wide collar and standing on a polygonal base.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
177
ROMAN BRONZE GRIFFIN HELMET ATTACHMENT
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (77 grams, 53 mm).
Free-standing with stylised features, bulging eyes, hooked beak, pricked ears; piriform base for possible attachment to a helmet crest.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LITERATURE: Cf. Mitten and Doeringer, Master Bronzes From The Classical World, New York, 1968, item 286, for a similar griffin head.
178
ROMAN BRONZE SPANISH MILITARY MONKEY STATUETTE
4TH CENTURY A.D.
1⅜ in. (23.9 grams, 34 mm).
Modelled seated on a polygonal base wearing a paenula, the right hand placed on the left shoulder, head tilted to one side, right hand placed on a stela or lantern.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LITERATURE:
See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 262, for a Roman example of small ape statuette.
FOOTNOTES:
The monkey is bearing a military sagum with cucullus and is holding beside him a squared lucerna. This representation can be a Roman military mascot or simply a grotesque. In 2001 in Spain, at Llivia, remains of Barbary apes with military belt buckles typically related to the late Roman period were discovered. The discovery of this type of belt buckle in a human grave would suggest that they were once a part of this army, so the fact that some were given to a Barbary ape means that the apes may have played a military role, for example, acted as targets to distract the enemy, or had a combat or defence role. Apes were also a common form of pet in the Graeco-Roman world.
179
ROMAN BRONZE SITTING DOG STATUETTE
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1½ in. (37.8 grams, 40 mm).
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing including collar, seated holding the right paw upwards; on a round base with loop to the rear, possibly a balsamarium or other high-status vessel lid. £400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
180
ROMAN BRONZE TINTINNABULUM DUCK PENDANT
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1⅞ in. (53.7 grams, 48 mm).
A duck or other water bird with suspension loop to back for suspension from a tintinnabulum. £300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
181
ROMAN BRONZE LION STATUETTE
2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3¼ in. (104 grams, 84 mm).
Of slender form, modelled standing right on a bar, right paw held aloft, stylised face and mane detailing. £800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
182
ROMAN PRIZE WINNING BRONZE HORSE STATUETTE
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1⅞ in. (80 grams, 47 mm high).
Modelled standing on a rectangular base, standing facing, tail hanging between legs, simple stylised facial detailing.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Christies, London, A Peaceable Kingdom: The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, 26th-27th October, 2004, lot 247, for a horse of comparable style.
183
LARGE ROMAN SILVERED BRONZE PATERA ‡ 1ST CENTURY A.D.
13 in. (903 grams, 33 cm wide).
With a deep bowl and flat-section handle with integral loop; shallow concentric grooves around the exterior of the neck, rolled rim, concentric rings to the underside; finished on a lathe; cracked and split.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1993. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11788-206494.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, record id. GLO-048BB1, for a very similar example and additional information; Tassinari, S., La Vaisselle de Bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au Musée des Antiquités Nationales, XXIXe supplément de Gallia, Paris, 1975, items 3, 5, 9, for similar types.
FOOTNOTES:
In contrast to their elaborate counterparts, paterae such as this were likely carried as part of the standard kit of Roman soldiers, used as a general cooking and eating utensil. The regular heap up (sarcina) of the legionaries is well represented on the reliefs of the Trajan column. It was composed of a T stake (furca), to which a linen bag (sacculus) was hung, as well as the leather haversack for 15-20 days supplies (trinum nundinum) and personal effects, a pot (ollula), a cup (patera), and a basket for work on the fields.
184
ROMAN SILVER-GILT AND GARNET DISC BROOCH
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (8.58 grams, 27 mm).
Displaying concentric roundels of faux ropework ornament, central circular cell inlaid with a polished garnet cabochon; pin-hinge plate to verso.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired late 1980s early-1990s. Private collection, Nottinghamshire, UK.
185
EASTERN ROMAN SILVER RING WITH VICTORY HOLDING WREATH AND PALM BRANCH GEMSTONE
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5¼, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)).
With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Cravinho, G., ‘Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon’ in Studies in ancient Art and Civilization, vol.21, 2017, pp.173-245, figs.25-28, pl.2, for the type.
BYZANTINE
GOLD HAIR ORNAMENT WITH EARRINGS AND ORIGINAL CHAIN
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D. 3 in. (26.35 grams, 77 cm long).
The chain composed of gussetted sheet-gold links interspersed with filigree-framed medallions embossed with facing busts; the chain attached to the penannular earring hoops by openwork filigree pendants with pearl drops, two further pearl drops to the hoops.
£7,000 - 9,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired from Fred Leighton, New York, ca.1982. Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11047-184615.
LITERATURE: See Niederle, L., P ísp vky k vývoji byzantských šperk ze IV. - X. Století (Contributions to the development of Byzantine jewellery from the IV. - 10th century,), Praha, 1930; Baldini Lippolis, I., L’oreficeria nell’Impero di Costantinopoli fra il IV e il VII secolo (Goldsmithing in the Empire of Constantinople between the 4th and 7th centuries), Bari, 1999, figs.1 (treasure of Pantalica); p.132, no.4 (treasure of Reggio Emilia).
FOOTNOTES: The characters within the medallions, derived from the imagines clipeatae and possibly representing unbearded dignitaries (eunuchs?) clad in their court cloak, are typical of the 7th century. This suggests the possibility that the chain belonged to an aristocratic woman.
187
BYZANTINE BRONZE EMPRESS MOUNT ‡
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3¾ in. (193 grams, 97 mm).
Formed in the half-round as a youthful female bust, a cross in the middle of the high hair arrangement (propoloma).
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex Law Professor in Alexandria, prior to 1930. Ex collection M. Bouvier, Switzerland (1901-1980).
LITERATURE: Cf. Bogdanovi , J., Sinkevi , I., Mihaljevi , M., Marinkovic, C., Series: Art and Material Culture in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, Leiden-New York, 2023, figs.1.6,1.7, for bronze busts of empresses; cf Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, fig.355, for a 6th-7th century A.D. Roman example of a tripod with busts.
FOOTNOTES:
The image of the Roman Empress during the late Roman Empire, was connected to Christianity by the figure of the Empress Helena. Constantine had several cities renamed Helenopolis in honour of his mother, Helena, and she gained the political verification of power with the status nobilissima femina in 318 and the rank of Augusta in 324. Alongside her social and political image, Helena also had a significant reputation as a good Christian who was a patron and took care of poor people. Owing to this powerful religious image that was created, all other Christian women during the Eastern Roman Empire were encouraged spiritually by the fact that Helena was the mother of the first Christian emperor, and the image of the Roman empress was connected to the Christian image of the Mother of God, and represented on weights, bronze appliques and, in this case, maybe as an upper mount of a tripod.
188
BYZANTINE BRONZE PLAQUE WITH BIRD INLAY ‡
CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1½ in. (20.6 grams, 38 mm).
Sub-rectangular in form with raised rectangular panel to centre, cells forming X-motif inlaid with red glass(?) against a blue field, central nacre(?) roundel engraved with a perched bird with polychrome enamelled detailing; trace remains of gilding to upper and side edges; piercing to each corner.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in London, early 1980s. Purchased in Europe before 1992. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11811-206495.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Romisch-Germanischen Zentralmuseum Mainz (RGZM), Das Reich der Salier, 1024-1125, Sigmaringen, 1992, p.160-161, fig.10, Vitrine 4, for similar enamel but with human head.
189
BYZANTINE GEOMETRIC FLOOR MOSAIC CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
45 in. (36.3 kg, 114.5 cm including frame).
Comprising a triple geometric rhomboidal figure, where three rhombuses are drawn one inside the other and distinguished by different shades of yellow, white and light red, the latter figure marked in the centre by a white space; the three figures are vertically arranged in a perfect geometric axis on a light background.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11823-207411.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Miller, S., The Mosaics of Tiberias and Hammat Tiberias during the Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic Periods, Jerusalem, II Vol., 2011, pl.11 nos.3,4,5; pl.17 no.3, pl.26, no.8.
For
final hammer
of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
190
CHRISTIAN ROCK CRYSTAL CROSS STAMP SEAL COLLECTION
7TH CENTURY A.D.
½ -⅞ in. (17.88 grams total, 15-21 mm).
Comprising three conoid seals, each engraved with a Greek cross and pierced for suspension; one with a wreath border, the other two with Syriac inscriptions and letters, possibly 'hš’ hy’' (the living passion); accompanied by a custom-made display case and impressions. [3]
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no. 11778-204567.
LITERATURE:
See Lady Carnegie, H., Catalogue of the Collection of Antique Gems formed by James Ninth Earl of Southesk, London, 1908, Vol.2, 13, P29, pl.1; Delaporte, L., Musée du Louvre. Catalogue des cylinders, cachets et pierres gravées de style oriental, vols.1-2, Paris, 1920, 1923, Vol.I, D.284, pls.56-60; Boardman, J. and Scaribrick, D.,The Ralph Harari Collection of Finger Rings, London, 1977, 53, no.120; Lerner, J.A., Christian Seals of the Sasanian Period, Leiden, 1977; p.32 nos.6, pl.1,4; 7,8; Spier, J., Late Antique and Early Christian Gems, Wiesbaden, 2013, pls. 118-119.
FOOTNOTES:
The collection concerns a group of seals of distinctive style and mainly conoid shape, realised (according to Spier) by a workshop in Muslim Mesopotamia of 7th century, soon after the Arab conquest. Nearly all the seals of this category are made of rock crystal, are usually pierced for suspension and engraved with distinctive form of cross. The crosses are positioned inside a linear, cable or (like in our case) wreathed border (sometimes also under a recessed arch). They could be uninscribed or inscribed with Syriac dialect (Aramaic) or Arabic in Kufic inscription (sometimes also in Pahlavi).
191
BYZANTINE GOLD AND CRYSTAL SEAL PENDANT ‡
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1⅛ in. (9.27 grams, 29 mm).
Composed of a tapering octagonal body, intaglio image of a robed and winged figure of Archangel Michael standing left, holding a Christian cross to base, granulated gold frame with suspension loop. £2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11864-200658.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Ross, M.C., Catalogue of the Byzantine and Early Mediaeval Antiquities in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection, Volume 2: Jewelry, Enamels and Art of the Migration Period, Washington, 2005, pl.XCVIII, items 62,179, for similar engravings of an angel on a ring and a pendant; the same image appears on the coins of Anastasios I (491-518), see Wamser, L., Die Welt von ByzanzEuropas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 44, 639 (ring).
FOOTNOTES:
The Roman motif of winged Victory bearing a laurel wreath was slowly replaced with the image of Archangel Michael carrying the victory cross when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity.
192
BYZANTINE GOLD RING WITH ENGRAVED CROSS GEMSTONE
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (3.35 grams, 21.60 mm overall, 19.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
With baluster detailing to the shoulders, ellipsoid bezel with decorative band to the cell wall, inset garnet cabochon with intaglio design of a cross beneath a wreath and dish below.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11865-206975.
LITERATURE: Cf. Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 309, for type.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
193
TELL HALAF TERRACOTTA FERTILITY IDOL ‡
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
3 in. (54 grams, 75 mm).
Modelled seated with knees drawn towards chest, arms cradling large breasts, pinched head; linear painted detailing to body and face; fired clay.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1996.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, inventory number VA 12517, 12518, for a very similar example.
194
WESTERN ASIATIC TERRACOTTA IDOL ‡
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
5⅜ in. (57 grams, 13.5 cm high).
Free-standing, with a pinched, bird-like face, conical headdress or hairstyle, ornamental collar and stub arms; splayed foot.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection.
195
WESTERN ASIATIC TERRACOTTA IDOL ‡
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 in. (69 grams, 15 cm high).
Freestanding, with a pinched face, elaborate applied hairstyle, circular eyes and prick-decorated collar, hand clasped with palms to chest; repaired.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the 1970s.
Ex European private collection.
196
ANATOLIAN MARBLE VIOLIN TYPE IDOL ‡
2500-2300 B.C.
3¾ in. (36 grams total, 94 mm high including stand).
The schematic figure with a shallow lentoid-shaped cross-section; mounted on a custom-made display base.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1995.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11866-206514.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Harvard Art Museums, object number 1965.519, for type.
each Lot see
197
LURISTAN MYTHICAL ANIMAL HORSE BIT
9TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
7⅞ in. (1.86 kg total, 20 cm high including stand).
The tripartite bit comprising: a round-section bar with flattened and coiled terminals; two cheekpieces, each formed as a winged ibex standing facing outwards on a ground line, simple detailing to the large horns, neck collar and wing; suspension loops to necks and rumps of the reverses; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Toufic Aarakji, Hamburg, 1998. with Christie's, London, sale no.21014, lot 62.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11867-206897.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Cleveland Museum of Art, accession number 1980.102, for similar.
198
ELAMITE BRONZE VESSEL STAND
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
3½ in. (220 grams, 89 mm).
Formed with an openwork circular 'basket' supported on the backs of two birds standing parallel on a rectangular plate, inlays to three birds' eyes.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11868-206898.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Mahboubian, H., Elam: Art and Civilization of Ancient Iran, 3000-2000 B.C., England, 2004, p.17, for comparable examples.
199
NABATAEAN REDWARE DISH WITH PAINTED FOLIAGE 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5⅞ in. (106 grams, 15 cm wide).
Squat dish with conical profile, low flange rim with carination; finely detailed painted foliage and reticulation to the inner face; very rare. £400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From the important family collection of the late M.N., pre 1992.
LITERATURE: See Hammond, P.C., A Classification of Nabataean Fine Ware in American Journal of Archaeology, Vol.66, no.2, for discussion.
200
NABATAEAN REDWARE BOWL WITH PAINTED FOLIAGE 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
6⅛ in. (92 grams, 15.5 cm wide).
Squat ceramic bowl with lateral loop handles to the rim, carinated profile; finely executed painted foliage to the inner face; very rare. £700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
From the important family collection of the late M.N., pre 1992.
LITERATURE: See Hammond, P.C., A Classification of Nabataean Fine Ware in American Journal of Archaeology, Vol.66, no.2, for discussion.
201
LURISTAN TRIPOD FOOTED JUG WITH STRAINER
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. OR LATER
9½ in. (1.64 kg, 24 cm wide).
With a carinated body with conical feet to the base, a slender neck with trefoil mouth and pierced strainer panel to the spout, integral handle to the rear; displaying vertical notching to the equator and columns composed of shallow dimples to the upper body; chipped. £1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: with a London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
202
WESTERN ASIATIC BLACK TERRACOTTA RITUAL VESSEL 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
11⅞ in. (3.25 kg, 30 cm wide).
Carinated in form with a rounded shoulder and short everted neck, two hemispherical juglets to the shoulder with pierced bases and strap handles below, one independent loop handle to the shoulder; painted black decoration to the upper body including clusters of vertical lines and vertical bands alternating with zig-zagging. £1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
203
MESOPOTAMIAN TERRACOTTA POURING VESSEL ‡
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
4⅝ in. (438 grams, 11.8 cm wide).
Formed as a pouring vessel with carinated body and short cylindrical spout, neck decorated with three concentric bands of pricked dots, incised bands below, combed chevrons to the equator featuring three raised knops to the rear.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1990.
204
WESTERN ASIATIC TERRACOTTA ELEPHANT TRIPOD VESSEL
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C. OR LATER
13¾ in. (2.9 kg, 35 cm wide).
An Indus period shallow dish or bowl with gently rounded and tapering sidewalls, three integral tapering legs formed as stylised elephant heads and trunks with simple facial detailing and splayed feet.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 54.55.15, for a vessel of comparable form dated 2nd millennium B.C.
205
NABATAEAN WHITE GROUND DISH WITH PAINTED FOLIAGE
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5⅞ in. (117 grams, 15 cm wide).
Squat dish with conical profile, flange rim; finely detailed painted foliage to the inner face; very rare.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
From the important family collection of the late M.N., pre 1992.
LITERATURE:
See Hammond, P.C., A Classification of Nabataean Fine Ware in American Journal of Archaeology, Vol.66, no.2, for discussion.
206
SOUTH ARABIAN ALABASTER TABLET WITH INSCRIPTION
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
4¾ in. (1.3 kg, 12 cm).
Rectangular with two lateral flanges to the upper face; worked and dressed face with legend in seriffed South Arabian script.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired by Barbara Toy, 1950/60s and thence by descent.
LITERATURE:
Cf. limestone block in the collection of the British Museum under accession no. 141539 (1985,0223.8) with more extensive legend in the script.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
207
WESTERN ASIATIC SEATED TERRACOTTA MALE FIGURE HOLDING AN AXE
CIRCA 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
4⅜ in. (155 grams total, 11 cm high including stand).
Free-standing and with stylised applied face, hair and beard detailing, his hands held together in his lap.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Collected from 1979-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
208
WESTERN ASIATIC TERRACOTTA IDOL ‡
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 in. (33 grams, 10.1 cm high).
Free-standing; formed with a pinched face, hair held in a bun at the back of the head, arms folded across the waist, wearing a neck collar and possibly a headdress; splayed foot.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1970s.
Ex European private collection.
209
WESTERN ASIATIC TERRACOTTA IDOL ‡
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
5½ in. (43 grams, 14.1 cm high).
Free-standing; modelled with a pinched, bird-like head and face with large applied circular eyes, two ornamental collars, stub arms and splayed foot.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1970s.
Ex European private collection.
210
WESTERN ASIATIC TERRACOTTA ANIMAL RIDER
CIRCA 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
7⅞ in. (676 grams total, 20 cm high including stand).
Modelled in the round standing facing, the rider gripping the animal with his thighs and by its ears, stylised detailing to both figures in the form of applied circular eyes and pricked headbands, the rider wearing a conical cap; mounted on a substantial cylindrical perspex display base.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Collected from 1979-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
From the Moussieff salon cabinet display.
211
MESOPOTAMIAN CHALCEDONY CYLINDER SEAL WITH FIGURES AND GOLD PENDANT MOUNT
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1¼ in. (11.78 grams, 33 mm).
The seal displaying a frieze of drilled human figures possibly bearing cultic accoutrements, together with a bee-like insect; mounted on a later gold hoop.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From a family collection formed 1900-1950; by descent circa 1980.
212
WESTERN ASIATIC SINTERED QUARTZ CYLINDER SEAL
NEO-ASSYRIAN EMPIRE, 934-609 B.C.
1⅜ in. (8.56 grams, 35 mm).
Fusiform with hunting scene, standing figure infringed robe drawing a bow at an antelope. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Collon, D., First Impressions. Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, 2005, item 337.
213
LARGE AKKADIAN WHITE STONE CYLINDER SEAL
CIRCA 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1¾ in. (57 grams, 45 mm).
Displaying a frieze composed of human and animal figures; drilled vertically for suspension.
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
From an important London, UK, collection, 1970-1990. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
214
LARGE WESTERN ASIATIC SHELL CYLINDER SEAL WITH TWO REGISTERS
CIRCA 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 in. (54.6 grams, 52 mm).
With linear and ropework borders, frieze in two registers: the upper with seated and standing figures wearing tiered robes, the lower with antelopes, human figures and fronds. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector, collection no.077. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Teissier, B., Ancient Near Eastern Cylinder Seals in the Marcopoli Collection, Berkeley, 1984, item 213, for type.
215
WESTERN ASIATIC BANDED QUARTZ CYLINDER SEAL WITH PRESENTATION SCENE
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1 in. (5.4 grams, 23 mm).
With frieze depicting a throne-room scene, seated king in tiered robe confronted by two robed supplicants with an altar and idol, two columns of cuneiform text. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector, collection no.25. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Teissier, B., Ancient Near Eastern Cylinder Seals in the Marcopoli Collection, Berkeley, 1984, item 104, for type.
216
OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM TABLET WITH ADMINISTRATIVE TEXT
CIRCA 18TH CENTURY B.C.
2¾ in. (116 grams, 71 mm).
To both principal faces; pillow-shaped in form.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
217
BABYLONIAN CUNEIFORM FOUNDATION NAIL
CIRCA 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
2¼ in. (36 grams, 58 mm).
Conical in form with facetted faces bearing cuneiform text. [No Reserve]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Acquired by the vendor's mother 1960s-1970s, thence by descent. Ex Spray family collection, Norfolk, UK.
LITERATURE:
See Aruz, J., Art of the First Cities. The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, New York, 2003, for discussion.
218
MESOPOTAMIAN TERRACOTTA BALL WITH CUNEIFORM INSCRIPTION
CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
¾ in. (8.5 grams, 20 mm).
The sphere displaying a band of cuneiform text around the equator. £400 - 600
PROVENANCE: Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
219
OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY MICRO CUNEIFORM TABLET
18TH CENTURY B.C.
3¼ in. (132 grams, 82 mm).
Bearing a literary text over two principal faces. £500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
220
URUK CLAY PICTOGRAPHIC TABLET WITH ECONOMIC TEXT RELATING TO FARM PRODUCE MID 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 5/8 in. (43.6 grams, 66 mm).
Written on two faces; lentoid cross-section.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11870-201160.
221
UR III CLAY CUNEIFORM TABLET
CIRCA 3400 B.C.
3¾ in. (141 grams, 94 cm).
Of rectangular form, bearing text to both principal faces and three side edges; repaired.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
222
OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM TABLET BEARING A ROYAL LETTER FROM ILUNI KING OF ESNUNNA TO WARASSA KING OF DER
CIRCA LATE 18TH CENTURY B.C.
4½ in. (219 grams, 11.3 cm).
Written in dense cuneiform over two principal faces and two side edges of the pillow-shaped tablet.
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
223
NEO-SUMERIAN CLAY TABLET
UR III, 22ND-21ST CENTURY B.C.
1½ in. (28.4 grams, 39 mm).
Of pillow-shaped form, bearing cuneiform text to both principal faces.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
224
MESOPOTAMIAN DECORATED BULLA ENVELOPE CONTAINING TOKENS
MID 6TH-MID 4TH MILLENNIUM B.C.
⅜ in. (169 grams, 61 mm).
Spherical hollow clay mass with the remains of impressions to the exterior and ceramic tokens inside; surface cracked.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
Accompanied by a copy of a illustrated typed catalogue page.
FOOTNOTES:
This bulla envelope likely belonged to the Sumerian or Uruk culture.
It is believed that there are less than 250 complete and fragmentary examples of this type of bulla envelope worldwide. This is one of only a handful of examples ever offered at auction. The bulla first emerged in Mesopotamia around 8000 B.C. The clay envelopes contain a number of pre-baked accounting tokens, which were used in commercial and stock-taking transactions. Placing the tokens inside the bulla greatly enhanced the honesty of the transaction, as the bulla would have to be broken or crushed to reveal its contents.
225
LARGE OLD BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM TABLET CONTAINING LEXICAL TEXT
CIRCA 17TH CENTURY B.C.
5¼ in. (560 grams, 13.3 cm).
Written over both principal faces; roughly pillow-shaped.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
226
LATE OLD BABYLONIAN OR KASSITE CLAY CUNEIFORM TABLET
MID 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 in. (52 grams, 50 mm).
With text to one remaining face; lentoid in cross-section.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992.
Thence by descent to family members.
Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
227
PRE-ACHAEMENID BRONZE LION TERMINAL WITH SILVER CLADDING
9TH-8TH CENTURY B.C.
3 in. (82 grams, 76 mm).
With stylised repoussé head and face detailing, the mane represented by a scalloped border; sheet-silver cladding to the head; pierced for attachment.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11871-206896.
228
SASSANIAN SILVER PEDESTAL CUP
5TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
6 in. (340 grams, 15 cm wide).
Shallow hollow-formed bowl with flat rim, fluted exterior, trumpetshaped foot. [No Reserve]
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
H. Soudavar, Paris, France.
Acquired Christie's circa 1996. Ex central London gallery.
LITERATURE:
See Harper, P.O. & Meyers, P., Silver Vessels of the Sasanian Period, New York, 1981, for discussion.
229
BACTRIAN POLISHED BLACK STONE RITUAL OBJECT CIRCA 3RD-EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C. 31½ in. (9.1 kg total, 80 cm high including stand).
Carved in the round and given a slender, biconical form; polished; mounted on a custom-made display stand. £4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE: with Gallery Rosen Ancient Art, Tel Aviv, 1969. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11872-206905.
LITERATURE: Cf. Christie's, New York, 8th June 2007, lot 59; and 5th June 2014, lot 51; and London, 6th July 2022, lot 55.
230
EARLY ACHAEMENID BRONZE TEMPLE PLAQUE
MID 7TH-6TH CENTURY B.C.
16½ x 10 in. (495 grams, 42 x 25 cm).
Holes close to the rim for attachment of a lining; the surface executed in repoussé technique, filled by scenes horizontally divided with guilloche of two interlaced serpents; in the lower register two opposed lions (an antithetic pair, a lion and a lioness), both in profile, attacking a boar; the lions with open jaws and prominent muscles; the mane marked, and the tails forming a reverse S-curved between the hind legs; the anterior part of the boar collapsing under the lion's attack; rosettes filling the field and in the upper register, two large bosses separating three semi-human figures, maybe representing evil spirits, advancing in crouching pose with elbows bent and hands palmupwards, rosettes and fungi in the field, their arms elevated in prayer; restored.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980searly 1990s.
Property of an important West London collector.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Accompanied by a metallurgic analytical report, written by metallurgist Dr Brian Gilmour of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, report number 618/129067.
LITERATURE:
See Rawlinson, G.M.A., The five great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World, III vol., New York, 1881; Schmidt, E.F., Persepolis II, Contents of the Treasures and other discoveries, Chicago, 1957; Soudavar, A., Iranian complexities, a study in Achaemenid, Avestan and Sassanian controversies, Houston, 1999; Garrison, M., 'Notes on a boar hunt (PFS 2323) in Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies vol. 54, No. 2 (2011), pp.17-20; Muscarella, O.W., Archaeology, Artifacts and Antiquities of the Ancient Near East, Boston, 2013.
FOOTNOTES:
Our specimen is a well preserved decorative votive plaque of Early Achaemenid Age, although some elements could induce to consider the plaque as belonging to the late Elamite period. Usually these plaques are rectangular in shapes and contain one or more figures. One of the predominant figures is the lion, an old symbol of power in Ancient Mesopotamia. It appears often in a similar shape, for example in the Achaemenid seals (Schmidt, 1957, pp.42-44), as a hunter. The king of the beasts was considered a worthy foe, but sometimes was used as a symbol of the dynasty. Boars are also visible in seal patterns (Rawlinson, 1881, p. 240; Schmidt, 1957, pp.12,15,40,41,49). The rosette motive is well known in the Achaemenid art, like on the Miho's Artaxerxes plate (Soudavar, 1999, p.11) or in decorated architectural fragments left on the ground in Persepolis (Soudavar, 1999, p.20 fig.14), and, more important, in the famous Otane's plaque (Soudavar, 1999, p.29 fig.32; p. 42 fig. 41a-b-c) or on the plaque reporting the Behistun text (Soudavar, 1999, p. 56 fig. 45). The rosette is a representation of the solar emblems, and it is already visible in works of the first millennium B.C. (Muscarella, 2013, pp. 682-683, 781), and on the diadems of the Elamite rulers represented in the Achaemenid art. The representation of the Ansh nite sun flower under a rosette vary in shapes and it is not always clear whether it predates the Darian Persepolitan style. Here, the presence of convex more than concave rosettes are pointing more to a date anterior to Darius' kingdom (522-486 B.C.). The representation of the snakes is singular, considering that there is a general negativity in the Persian ancient culture associated with the word kerm/kirm (snake) and the animosity that Zoroastrianism developed towards snakes. However, according to the Sh hn meh, the discovery of fire was ushered by the appearance of a magical snake, at which the legendary king Hushang threw a stone; it missed its mark but hit another stone and produced sparks that lit a fire. The Achaemenid Empire dominated the Near East and the eastern Mediterranean for about two centuries, from the mid-sixth to the mid-fourth BC, when it was conquered by Alexander the Great and the last Persian King, Darius III Codomannus, was killed by his generals. It was one of largest empires in the world and in many ways one of the most successful. Votive plaques were dedicatory offerings to the temple, like modern ex-voto. The motive of the boar hunt in the Achaemenid art is visible on seals, and represents the warriors (lions) hunting the enemy (ibex, boar), a typical war training exercise for soldiers, commanders and princes. The theme of the boar hunt by Persian warriors has traditionally been associated closely with later Achaemenid glyptic from the western realms of the empire, but in this ancient plaque representation the lions appear symbolically substituting the warriors.
231
GANDHARAN GOLD CLAD FIGURAL BUDDHA BEAD GROUP
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-2ND CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
⅜ - 1¾ in. (78.32 grams total, 34-43 mm).
The majority displaying standing figures in repoussé to both faces of a lozenge-shaped body; five formed as naked male figures with hands clasped in front of the waist; a single bead formed as a full-bodied figure wearing a headdress, one hand held over the pubic region, which is pierced; sheet-gold over bituminous cores; from a ritual headdress; most complete. [21]
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s onwards.
Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK. Ex private collection of Benjamin Hyde-Smith, Hertfordshire, UK.
LITERATURE: Cf. grave II of Tillya-Tepe, in Cambon, P., (ed.), Hidden Afghanistan, Amsterdam, 2007, no.75 p.177, for technique used for the two gold musician figures.
232
WESTERN ASIATIC GOLD BEAD GROUP
CIRCA 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
-¼ in. (14.12 grams total, 1-6 mm).
Over three-hundred beads of different types, including decorative examples. [380+]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
233
LARGE BACTRIAN BRONZE ARMLET PAIR
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
5¼ in. (1.2 kg total, 13.4 mm wide each).
Each armlet composed of a substantial round-section penannular hoop, both terminals formed as stylised opposed animal heads, ringand-dot motifs representing the eyes and highlighting other anatomical detailing, together with dashes, dimples, chevrons and crescents. [2]
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE: with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
234
ELAMITE SILVER BIRD PENDANT WITH INLAYS
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 in. (10.9 grams, 49 mm).
Formed as two addorsed stylised birds with suspension lug between, remains of a cross to each body together with inlays, including highly reflective fragments, possibly haematite.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE: with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
235
WESTERN ASIATIC HEAVY GOLD BRACELET PAIR ‡
CIRCA 12TH-14TH CENTURY A.D.
2⅞ in. (57.21 grams total, 73 mm each).
Each comprising a single gold bar, drawn on both ends to form two wide sections and a length of wire; looped to form a central double bar; the wire coiled around itself to complete the bracelet. [2]
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the London art market in the 1980s. Ex Ward collection, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11874-200695.
236
PARTHIAN GOLD EARRING PAIR
CIRCA 3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
¾ in. (8.68 grams total, 21 mm each).
Each composed of a hinged loop and body decorated with filigree wire and gold pellets. [2]
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
237
ROMANO-PARTHIAN GOLD AND GLASS RING
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1⅛ in. (5.99 grams, 28.45 mm overall, 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5¾, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)).
With D-shaped strap shank attached with granule clusters to the ellipsoid cell bearing bands of herringbone filigree, married with a Dshaped glass cabochon.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
238
WESTERN ASIATIC STONE ANIMAL SEAL
CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
4 in. (308 grams total, 10.2 cm wide including stand).
Triangular in profile with suspension hole at the apex, underside with ropework border interrupted by a recumbent stag with large antlers facing a palm tree.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum under accession no.75.55.11.
239
LURISTAN BRONZE PIN WITH KING HOLDING ANIMALS
13TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
12⅝ in. (134 grams total, 32 cm including stand).
The oval head displaying a repoussé scene composed of a winged 'Master of Animals' figure standing at centre holding an animal in each outstretched hand; tapering round-section stem with collars towards the upper body; tip of pin stem absent; accompanied by a custommade backing board.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Ex London, UK, gallery, 1980s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 39.96.3, for a similar type.
240
NEO-BABYLONIAN BRONZE PENDANT WITH PRESENTATION SCENE
MID 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
1½ in. (5.99 grams, 39 mm).
Discoid with integral loop, low-relief image of a seated king and kneeling supplicant.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
241
WESTERN ASIATIC RED CARNELIAN AND GOLD BEAD NECKLACE CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
16⅜ in. (51 grams, 41.5 cm long).
Restrung designer necklace with a modern clasp; composed of polished carnelian beads of various types, interspersed with granulated gold spacer rings. £1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Collected from 1979-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
242
WESTERN ASIATIC WHITE AGATE AND GOLD BEAD NECKLACE LATE 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
16⅛ in. (63 grams, 41 cm long).
Restrung designer necklace with a modern clasp; composed mainly of polished and graduated agate beads, together with central oval pendant bead and gold beads. £700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Collected from 1979-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
243
WESTERN ASIATIC MOTTLED PINK STONE JAR ‡
4TH-3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
6⅞ in. (3.47 kg, 17.5 cm wide).
Of squat globular form with broad everted rim and rounded base; series of circular recesses to interior base.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired from an American collector in Europe, 2002. European collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11875-206527.
244
WESTERN ASIATIC ALABASTER BOWL ‡
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
3¾ in. (167 grams, 96 mm wide).
Carved from a veined stone with a shallow bowl and broad rim.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Europe before 1992.
245
WESTERN ASIATIC AMETHYST SCARABOID WITH ANIMAL AND ARAMAIC INSCRIPTION
MID 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
½ in. (1.59 grams, 13 mm).
With plain domed upper face, incuse design to the underside of a horse's head and four Aramaic characters.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK, 1969-1999; thence by descent.
LITERATURE: Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.126388.
246
EASTERN PARTHIAN CARNELIAN AND GOLD BEAD NECKLACE
1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
18¼ in. (44 grams, 46.5 cm long).
Comprising: sheet-gold drum-shaped and octagonal-section beads with spherical pendants, graduated interstitial oval carnelian beads; restrung with modern clasp.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, pl.XXIV (1545).
247
WESTERN ASIATIC AGATE AND GOLD BEAD NECKLACE
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. AND LATER
25¼ in. (82.5 grams, 64 cm long).
Restrung designer necklace with elegant bead arrangement, comprising spherical white agate beads, oval banded agate beads, with later gold interstitial slender bicone beads; modern clasp.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
LITERATURE:
See Despini, A., Greek Art. Ancient Gold Jewellery, Athens, 1996, for discussion.
248
LURISTAN BRONZE SPIKE-BUTTED AXEHEAD ‡
11TH-8TH CENTURY B.C.
8⅞ in. (478 grams, 22.5 cm).
Blade with folded upper and lower edge, cylindrical socket with projecting ribs formed as the necks and heads of birds, blace 'projecting' from the mouth of a roaring lion at the neck.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex Parisian private collection. with Cuvreau Expertises Enchères S.A., sale 60, 21 June 2009, lot 105.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11876-206787.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 130676 for similar; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 32.161.3 and 1988.102.2, for similar.
249
JEWISH STONE SHEKEL WEIGHT SET
9TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
⅝ - 1 in. (45.3 grams total, 16-26 mm).
Comprising four graduated weights based on the shekel; at least one example with incised markings. [4]
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE: Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
LITERATURE: See Hendin nos W9-16.
250
ETRUSCO-ITALIC BREASTPLATE WITH MYTHICAL ANIMAL
5TH CENTURY B.C.
11¼ in. (626 grams total, 28.5 cm high including stand).
Displaying a repoussé horned animal advancing right, two roundels composed of bulbous rivets flanking the animal and encircling the central design; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Collection of Jacques and Henriette Schumann, formed between 1950 and 1970.
The Schumanns inherited part of their collection from Henriette’s parents, Alice and Fernand Halphen, andjacques’ maternal grandfather, Albert Lehmann. Collection of Jacques and Henriette Schumann, Christie's, Paris, 30th September 2003, lot 85.
Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport no.107322. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11877-207824.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 18.145.23, wrongly classified as shield boss; cf. Connolly, P., Greece and Rome at war, London, 2006, figs.9-14 p.101, for a similar one and the fastening system.
FOOTNOTES:
This type of armour, composed from a bronze breast and back plate with hinged shoulder straps, all the parts backed with iron, was used by Etruscans, Hernici, Aequi and Volsci, the feared enemies of early Rome. In particular our item has many parallels with the disc-cuirass (cardiophylax) found in the Necropolis of Alfadena.
250
251
VILLANOVAN
BRONZE BREAST PLATE
CIRCA 7TH CENTURY B.C.
12⅞ in. (1.36 kg total, 32.6 cm high including stand).
Featuring a central circular void and a series of concentric triangularsection ridges and incorporating an X or cross motif; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: with H. Cahn, Basel.
Subsequently Tajan auction, 8 February 2008, lot 251.
252
NEO-ASSYRIAN BRONZE HORSE TRAPPING WITH EAGLE-HEADED GOD NISROCH AND WINGED SUPERNATURAL FIGURES
9TH-8TH CENTURY B.C.
33¼ in. (3.75 kg total, 59 cm including stand).
The left side of a trapping for a horse pulling a chariot, comprising two hammered elements with a hinge; rectangular upper section with a loop to one end, decorated with an eagle-headed genius-demon, wearing a tunic and a fringed kilt, a shawl wrapped around the body, hanging down on the back, carrying a bucket of purifying water in his right hand and a conical pot of incense in his left hand, bracelets to arms, two rows of lotus buds above; the discoid lower section divided in two registers, each with a winged genii in combat with winged bulls; the dividing raised band with fish motifs similar to the border formed of fish; the edges of both elements with punched edges for the attachment of leather lining; Neo-Assyrian or Urartian; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the 1960s.
Ex private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent in 1996.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11780-205646.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Born, H., Seidl, U., Schutzwaffen aus Assyrien und Urartu, Sammlung Axel Guttmann, Mainz, 1995; Brereton, G., 'I am Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of Assyria', catalogue of the exhibition, London, 2018, p.146, no.155; for an example of the presence of a bucket in Urartian decorative arts and a similar depiction of Assyrian eagle-headed demon, see Aruz, J., Graff S. B. and Rakic Y. (eds.), Assyria to Iberia at the Dawn of the Classical Age, New York, 2014, pp.89, 9192 fig.2.17, cat.no.35a; for examples of the similarities between the Assyrian apkallu and Urartian spirits and deities, see two wall reliefs from Nimrud at the British Museum (inv. nos. 124561 & 102487).
FOOTNOTES:
These pieces of horse armour, destined to be the lateral protection for horses, were usually fixed at the four corners of the yoke (Connolly, 1986, p.17). Sometimes these side pendants provided protection for the upper part of horse's legs. Drawings and reconstructions of an Urartian chariot compiled from archaeological evidence shows the likely positioning on the shoulder of the horse (Gorelik, 1995, p.4). They served to protect the horse and also as symbols of divine protection. Similar pieces are visible on Assyrian reliefs (Born-Seidl, 1995, figs.53-54, relief from Nimrod; 62, from Assur; Curtis, 2013, pl.LXXV; Dezs , 2012, pl.12-13).
253
ASSYRIAN BELT FRAGMENT GROUP
9TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
9 - 11⅞ in. (609 grams total, 23-30 cm).
Comprising two bronze belt sections, each with a ferrous backing; applied sheet-bronze rectangular plates held in place with domed rivets and washers, some decorated with a border of pelleted triangular punchmarks topped with a pellet or ring-and-dot motif; one fragment with finial with remains of a riveted hook, the other with corresponding hole. [2, No Reserve]
£1,000 - 1,500
PROVENANCE:
Ex Axel Guttmann collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Esayan, S.A., Gürtelbleche der Älteren Eisenzeit in Armenien in Beiträge zur allgemeinen und vergleichenden Archäologie, vol.6, pp.97-198, pls. 8 & 25, nos.25 and 26 (belts from Golovino).
254
NORTH-WEST PERSIAN BRONZE DAGGER BLADE
LATE 2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
20½ in. (464 grams, 52.2 cm).
With prominently curved guard extending out from the ricasso partly framing the hilt, thick midrib extending slightly above the ricasso.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
LITERATURE:
See Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, pp.99-100, for similar.
FOOTNOTES: The hilt of such swords was made separately and unfortunately is nearly always missing from the archaeological records. Similar daggers had a northern Iranian background and excavated examples have been recorded from the South Caspian area from Tomadjan and Ghalekuti.
255
HEAVY WESTERN ASIATIC LEAF-SHAPED SPEARHEAD
14TH-10TH CENTURY B.C.
18¼ in. (844 grams, 46.2 cm).
The leaf-shaped ovate blade with rounded, gently curved shoulders and raised midrib, flat rectangular-sectioned tang tapering to a sharply bent end with a fastening button.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
LITERATURE:
See Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran. The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, s.cat.270, for type.
FOOTNOTES:
Similar spearheads were excavated in the Marlik Royal cemetery by Dr Negahban, see for example in tomb 47, Trench XXIIE. They were the evolution of a typology which began much earlier in Mesopotamia and the fertile crescent, the type 4 of the Stronach classification, with straight tang and square section, usually thickened at the base with a button tang. The foliate blade was wide and exaggerated in some specimens excavated at Marlik.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
PSEUDO-ILLYRIAN CHALCIDIAN VARIANT BRONZE HELMET
4TH-1ST CENTURY B.C.
19 in. (2.9 kg total, 48.5 cm high including stand).
Large rounded two-part bowl rivetted beneath the repoussé crest extending across the brow and around the circumference; repoussé arches above the eyes extending to the nasal; lateral D-shaped cheek-pieces with scallop to the forward edge, pierced for a chinstrap; some restoration of the bowl; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1971-1972.
From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11752-202771.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Beglova, E.A., Antichnoe nasledie Kubani (Ancient heritage of Kuban) III, Moscow, pp.410-422 (in Russian); Dedjulkin A. V., 'Locally Made Protective Equipment of the Population of North-Western Caucasus in the Hellenistic Period', in Stratum Plus, no.3, 2014, pp.169-184; Симоненко А. В., 'Шлемы сарматского времени из Восточной Европы' (Sarmatian Age Helmets from Eastern Europe), in Stratum Plus, no.4, 2014, fig.15, no.1.
FOOTNOTES:
According both to Symonenko and Dedjulkin (2014, p.189, fig.9, nn.4-5-6), this category of helmets derived from the Chalcidian type with elements of pseudoIllyrian variants. Like the Chalcidian helmets, our specimen shows vertical decorative lines on the bowl and the triangular brow decoration which characterises similar specimens.
257
CANAANITE BRONZE DIRK ‡
13TH-12TH CENTURY B.C.
15½ in. (289 grams total, 39.5 cm high including stand).
With lentoid-section blade, tongue-shaped in plan, integral tapering hilt with flared finial, lateral flanges to accept a panel of bone or wood to each face forming the grip.
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE:
Ex Joseph J. Gancie (1923-2010), Washington, Silver Spring, Maryland. with Alex Cooper Auctioneers Inc., sale 1035, 27 January 2013, lot 162a.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Khorasani, M.M., Arms and Armour from Iran - The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period, Tübingen, 2006, p.377, cat.6.
FOOTNOTES:
The dirk belongs to the type III in the Medvedskaya classification, used in Near East from the 13th to the 6th century B.C. The type is the 32a of the MaxwellHyslop study. The Asiatic daggers of this type are confined to Syria and Persia, but Transcaucasia also provides an interesting analogy from Kalekent on the Baku peninsula, where a pointed straight-sided dagger blade has a flanged hilt with the whole of the side flanges bent over the centre.
258
NORTH WESTERN PERSIAN BRONZE DAGGER ‡ EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
11½ in. (298 grams total, 29.2 cm high including stand).
With long tapered blade, rounded shoulders and broad flattened midrib, tapered square sectioned tang pierced at the tip. £400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Dr. T.J. Arne, Sweden, 1934. Private collection, Sweden, late 1930s. with Stockholm Auktionsverk, Stockholm, Sweden, 9 June 2014, lot 2613.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 1, London, 2002, p.34, no.31.
FOOTNOTES:
This tanged bronze blade from Luristan belongs to a category of Luristan swords still in use in the Achaemenid Period, as proved from a blade with a perished handle (probably bone or wood) of the same type, in the National Museum of Iran (2694/15633). Examples without inscriptions like our model have been classified by Grotkamp-Schepers in the Solingen Museum as pieces from Luristan.
259 MIGRATION PERIOD IRON SWORD WITH GARNET CROSS GUARD AND SCABBARD FITTINGS
5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
35⅞ in. (903 grams, 91 cm).
With a double-edged parallel-sided blade with broad pointed tip; the lower guard inlaid with garnet cloisonné divided into four segments; accompanied by a rectangular scabbard slide inlaid with two rows of garnets and other stone; and a part of a sheet-silver chape.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11819-206855.
LITERATURE: See Behmer, E., Das zweischneidige Schwert der germanischen Völkerwanderungszeit, Stockholm, 1939; Lebedinsky, I., Armes et guerriers barbares au temps des grandes invasions, Paris, 2001; Lebedinsky, I., De l’epée scythe au sabre mongol, Paris, 2008, pp.114ff.
FOOTNOTES: The sword belongs to the group of blades with wide guard coming from Eastern Europe, in particular from the regions of the Black Sea. The most striking examples are the sword of Dmytrivka (in the Zaporizhzhia), from a Hunnic grave, the guard and its extending reinforcement collar inlaid with precious stones; the sword of Lermontovskaia (North of Caucasus), from the grave of an Alan warrior (5th century A.D.), having the guard inlaid with coloured glass; the Pokrovsk-Voskhod swords (Region of Saratovo, on the Volga), from a Nomad grave of 5th century A.D., with garnet cloisonné on a gold background (Lebedinsky, 2001,pp.121ff.).
260
VIKING IRON AXEHEAD WITH SILVER INLAID INTERLACED DRAGONS
7TH-9TH CENTURY A.D.
5½ in. (282 grams, 14 cm).
To both lateral faces, the upper face of the blade and the rear of the socket decorated with an interlaced design; slender body with bearded lower edge and curved blade, lateral spurs and rectangular panel to the butt. [No Reserve]
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
Accompanied by a copy of a four page report written by Saxon and Viking specialist Stephen Pollington. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11878-206842.
LITERATURE: See Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.V (20), for type; Salin, B., Die Altgermanische Thierornamentik, Stockholm, 1935.
FOOTNOTES: The style of the design inlaid to the axe is interesting since it evidently owes a great deal to the kinds of Insular Style ornament found in manuscripts of the 8th century in the British Isles. The elegant curves of the narrow tendrils are strongly reminiscent of the zoomorphic elements found in the Lindisfarne Gospels, St Gall Codex and the Book of Kells (Salin, 1935, pp.342-3; Moss, 2018) and the inlaid designs show the characteristic parallel curves found for example on some of the initials in those documents. The tight knot serpentine bodies recalls the similar dense knot found in the Kells manuscript (Salin's figure 731). However, the details of the layout and execution show that the piece is unlikely to have originated in the British Isles.
261
VIKING AGE SILVER AND LATTEN INLAID SEAX WAR KNIFE
10TH CENTURY A.D.
10⅞ in. (166 grams, 27.5 cm).
An iron single-edged angle-backed knife with tapering tang; silver and latten inlay to both faces. [No Reserve]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1881,0623.1, for a similar knife.
262
VIKING IRON SWORD WITH CROSS GUARD SURMOUNTED BY INTERLACED DRAGONS
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
35¼ in. (900 grams, 89.5 cm).
Comprising a double-edged cutting blade with tapering fullers and hefty tang; the bronze cross guard in Jellinge style with dragon head finials and a central human face to the lower edge; the pommel with seven lobes; accompanied by a bronze openwork chape with central bird motif decorated with stamped ring-and-dot design. [2]
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11821-206859.
LITERATURE:
See Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; abi ski, G., ‘Viking Age Swords from Scotland’, in Acta Militaria Mediaevalia III, Kraków, Sanok, 2007, pp.29–84; see a sword in the Musée de l’Armée published by Peirce (2002, pp.70-71), for a similar pommel; cf. Paulsen, P., Schwertortbänder der Wikingerzeit, Stuttgart, 1953, for the chape; see also Michalak, A., Socha, K., ‘A sword scabbard chape with a depiction of a bird of prey from the surroundings of Kostrzyn’ in Slavia Antiqua, 2017, LVIII, pp.159-174, figs.3-4.
263
VIKING AGE SINGLE-HANDED SWORD WITH FIVE-LOBED POMMEL
9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
32 in. (703 grams, 81.2 cm).
Of Petersen Type K with double-edged tapering blade, shallow fullers; boat-shaped lower and upper guard with five-lobed pommel showing traces of silver inlay. [No Reserve]
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
Otto Kruetz collection, Germany 1980s. Belgium collection. UK collection, 2000s.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
LITERATURE:
See Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
264
VIKING AGE IRON SWORD WITH COCKED HAT TYPE POMMEL
10TH CENTURY A.D.
35½ in. (996 grams, 90 cm).
Petersen Type L variant with double-edged pattern-welded blade (waving pattern) showing evidence of being employed, tapering fullers and hefty tang; boat-shaped lower guard, cocked hat pommel with traces of silver inlay; some restoration.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11816-206858.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Petersen, J., De Norske Vikingsverd, Oslo, 1919; Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Wilson, D. M., ‘Some neglected
Late Anglo-Saxon swords’, in Medieval Archaeology, 1965, 9 (1), pp.32-54; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; abi ski, G., ‘Viking Age Swords from Scotland’, in Acta Militaria Mediaevalia III, Kraków, Sanok, 2007, pp.29-84; the sword finds good parallels in various similar Viking age specimens: a sword in the Bergen Museum (no.2605), a sword at the British Museum (1912, 7-23 1), a sword in the Musée de l’Armée, Paris (JPO2262), all published by Peirce (2002, pl.II, pp.74-76); also the Wensley hilt sword belongs to this classification (Wilson,1965, pp.42ff., pl.VIIa); another occasional find of this typology has been excavated in Wales in 2004, a chance discovery in the garden at Hawarden (NWM inv. 2007.4H).
265
MEDIEVAL SINGLE-HANDED LONG SWORD WITH CROSSES
MID 10TH-MID 12TH CENTURY A.D.
39¾ in. (1.31 kg, 101 cm).
With a broad tapering blade, the wide and shallow fullers with inlaid decoration to both sides comprising a Greek cross within a circle, a cross potent and a wheel; long, straight guard and a short grip with a plain Brazil nut pommel. [No Reserve]
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Ing Peter Till collection, Austria 1990s. UK collection, 2000s.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, teacher.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Oakeshott, J.R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Peirce, I., Swords of the Viking Age, Suffolk, 2002; Nicolle, D., Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350, vol I, London, 1999; the sword finds a good parallel with a specimen from Spain, published by Peirce (2002, p.124); with a sword dated to circa 1200, from Germany, preserved in the Wallace collection, London, England (Nicolle, 1999, fig.424); with a sword from Dresden, with the name INGELRII on one side and the phrase HOMO DEI on the other, dated to about 1100; also with a sword once in the Oakeshott collection with the mark of Carrocium, dated to around the 11th century.
266
MEDIEVAL IRON HAND AND HALF SWORD WITH POLYHEDRAL POMMEL
LATE 14TH-EARLY 15TH CENTURY A.D.
39⅜ in. (1.26 kg, 1 m).
Of Oakeshott's Type XVIIIa or b, cross style 11, pommel style I1; strongly tapering pointed blade with straight edges and evident battle nicks; straight cross guard, long grip and an octagonal pommel. [No Reserve]
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LITERATURE:
See Oakeshott, R.E., The Archaeology of the weapons, London, 1960; Oakeshott, E., The sword in the Age of the Chivalry, Woodbridge, 1964 (1994); Oakeshott, E., Records of the Medieval Sword, Woodbridge, 1991; Oakeshott, E., Sword in hand, London, 2001 (2007); similar specimen in Oakeshott, 1991, p.187, sword formerly in the collection D’Acre Edwards, now on loan to the Royal Armouries (pommel T.5, facetted and cross-style of type 4).
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
267
DANISH NEOLITHIC KNAPPED FLINT AXE CIRCA 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
6½ in. (750 grams, 16.5 cm).
In veined amber-coloured flint, bifacially knapped with convex cutting edge tapering with squared sides and butt; likely from the early Single Grave culture. [No Reserve] £300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Found Sealand, Denmark.
From the private collection of a County Durham, UK, gentleman.
LITERATURE:
See Madsen, A. P., Antiquités Préhistoriques du Danemark, Copenhagen, 1872, pl.26, 1.
268
FRENCH VARIEGATED GREY FLINT LIMANDE HANDAXE PALAEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 300,000 B.P.
6 in. (408 grams, 15.3 cm).
Knapped with a rounded butt and convex cutting edge. [No Reserve] £300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Private collection established since the 1950s.
From the collection of a South West London, UK, collector.
269
DANISH TYPE 1B BROWN FLINT STILETTO DAGGER
NEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 2250 B.C.
6⅛ in. (53 grams, 15.5 cm).
Several inked inscriptions in black to the reverse: 'Denmark / ExRichard / Britton / 7-13' and 'HZZ' ALSO '30' AND in white 'CC-70532'. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Previously with Lord McAlpine of West Green. The property of Richard Britton. From a U.S.A. private collection.
From the collection of a South West London, UK, collector.
270
DANISH TYPE VIA GREY FLINT STILETTO DAGGER
NEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 1500 B.C.
5¾ in. (61 grams, 14.6 cm).
To the obverse an inked inscription in white: 'CC-70539', and to verso inked inscriptions in black: Denmark / Ex-Richard / Britton / 7-13' and 'HYY'. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Previously with Lord McAlpine of West Green. The property of Richard Britton. From a U.S.A. private collection. From the collection of a South West London, UK, collector.
271
KNAPPED FLINT HAND AXE
LOWER PALAEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 400,000-200,000 B.P.
6¼ in. (290 grams total, 16 cm including stand.).
Of triangular form with slightly flattened tip and rounded butt; with printed and inked 'MADIJEN / EI:190M / THEBES / 1905' find spot label; with custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Found Thebes, 1905. British private collection.
272
POLISHED MOTTLED GREENSTONE AXEHEAD
NEOLITHIC, 6TH-4TH MILLENNIUM B.C.
9½ in. (729 grams total, 24 cm high including stand).
With a broadly wedge-shaped plan and rounded surfaces, convex cutting edge and natural butt; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Acquired UK market. Property of a Kent collector.
273
DANISH TYPE 1A BROWN FLINT DAGGER
NEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 2150 B.C.
7¼ in. (80 grams total, 18.3 cm high including stand).
To the obverse an inked inscription in black: 'DENMARK / DD. 37. HF' and to verso a label: 'DENMARK / DEN.125' and another with collection number: '65-19'; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Ex F.S. Clarke collection. Acquired from a UK gallery.
From the collection of a South West London, UK, collector.
274
PIERCED BATTLE AXE-HAMMER
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
7⅛ in. (921 grams, 18 cm).
With rounded butt and convex sides, pierced for attachment to the handle.
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Found near Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK, by the vendor's father. Property of a Suffolk lady.
LITERATURE:
Cf. MacGregor, A., Antiquities from Europe and the Near East in the collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green, Ashmolean Museum, 1987, nos.6.17-6.21, for the type.
FOOTNOTES:
Axe-hammers like this one were used in felling trees to create fields from the natural woodland, and in shaping timber for building. The great number of stone axes and axe-hammers from Nordic European areas are a measure of how densely populated some parts of the Europe had become by five thousand years ago.
Being an entire 'founder' hoard deposit comprising: complete socketted axes (6; three with linear ornament to sockets); fragments of socketted and earlier type palstave axes (18, including two that fit together); fragments of other items (4) and pieces of copper 'bun' ingot (8). [36]
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Braintree, Essex, UK, on 14th August 2019.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BM-C514EA and with a copy of the Harwich Museum loan form. Disclaimed under the Treasure Act with reference number 2019 T731.
LITERATURE:
See Pendleton, Colin F., Bronze Age Metalwork in Northern East Anglia, BAR British Series 279, 1999, for much information on similar pieces found in East Anglia; see also Evans, John, The Ancient Bronze Implements, Weapons and Ornaments of Great Britain and Ireland, London, 1881.
PUBLISHED:
The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), reference BMC514EA (this find). Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 29th June-4th September 2023.
FOOTNOTES:
The composition of this hoard is quite typical of similar deposits found across south-eastern England and dating to the Late Bronze Age; most such finds include broken fragments together with pieces of ingot and some complete items, as seen here. It is unusual to see an entire deposit offered together as most such are either held in museums or have been divided up.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
BRONZE AGE GOLD TORC-SHAPED BRACELET ‡ EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C. 3⅝ in. (173 grams, 93 mm wide).
Of solid heavy penannular form, round in section with clubbed terminals.
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11879-200623.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1849,0627.1, for a similar example dated 11th-8th century B.C.
277
HUGE BRONZE AGE SPIRAL BROOCH
850-750 B.C.
9 in. (567 grams total, 23 cm high including stand).
Formed as four coils of rod radiating around a central disc with pointillé decoration; substantial pin and catch to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made stand.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of Dr. Peter W. Biertz (1914-2000), Wolsfeld, Germany, by August 1990.
Recorded in a letter from Dr Hans Nortmann, Rhein, Landesmuseum Trier, 8 August 1990.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11880-207712.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Hattatt, R., Brooches of Antiquity, Oxford, 1987, item 1348.
278
BRONZE AGE DECORATED SCEPTRE HEAD ‡
1200-1000 B.C.
11⅝ in. (621 grams total, 29.5 cm wide including stand).
The stem composed of two vertically arranged bicones, conical knop to chest, collar and broad everted head above, two downwardsdirected tapering round-section arms; mounted on a custom-made display base.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 2000. Private collection, Europe.
279
BRONZE AGE SACRIFICED BRITISH LONG SWORD
1500-1100 B.C.
22½ in. (918 grams total, 57 cm high including stand).
Bronze sword or rapier with gently tapering cutting edges, thick midrib with lateral beading for most of the blade's length; flared plate to the hilt with two holes at the end to accept attachment rivets; substantially complete; mounted on a custom-made stand.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Reputedly found in the River Blackwater, Bradwell, Essex. with Christie's, South Kensington, 13 May 2003, lot 259.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11881-207821.
LITERATURE:
See Trump, B.A.V., The Origin and Development of British Middle Bronze Age Rapiers, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, Vol. XXVIII, 1962.
FOOTNOTES:
In the terminology of Bronze Age studies, a weapon of this type less than 30 cm in length is called a 'dirk' and beyond that length it is classified as a 'rapier'. The longer examples are sometimes considered to have been impractical for use as weapons due to the limitations of the casting process making the blade brittle; however, the evidence for repairs and modifications indicates that they were frequently retained in active use for some time.
280
BRONZE AGE 'AXEL GUTTMAN' EUROPEAN BRONZE RAPIER WITH SPIRALS
16TH-14TH CENTURY B.C.
17⅛ in. (520 grams total, 43.5 cm high including stand).
With swollen tapering blade, finely incised with concentric rings and spirals at the top of the blade and extended parallel lines; pierced hilt for the fastening of an organic hilt; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Ex Axel Guttmann collection, AG 1033.
The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Part 2, 28 April 2004, lot 17.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11829-207734.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Falkenstein, F., ‘Gewalt und Krieg in der Bronzezeit Mitteleuropeas’ in Bericht der Bayerischen Bodendenkmalpfelge, 2006/2007, 47/48, pp.33-52, fig.2, for a similar complete sword with hilt.
PUBLISHED:
Born H. and Habsen, S., Helme und Waffen Alteuropas: Sammlung Axel Guttmann, IX, Mainz, 2001, (AG 1033), pp.96-109.
FOOTNOTES:
From the middle of the 2nd millennium B.C., the bronze sword became the most efficient and feared weapon, as well as the symbol of an aristocratic warrior.
281
IBERIAN CELTIC 'AXEL GUTTMANN' BRONZE WARRIOR FINIAL
5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.
7⅛ in. (152 grams total, 18.2 cm high including stand).
With slightly tapering socket and openwork bulb above, discoid platform supporting a mounted warrior modelled in the round; horse with long vertical tail and horizontal reins, bowed legs and scrolls at the hooves; warrior astride the horse with legs bent and feet to the rear, helmet with lateral horns and large swept crest with notched edge; arms bent to show the warrior in the act of drawing his falcata sword from the scabbard worn across his midriff; mounted on a custom-made stand.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Ex Axel Guttmann collection.
Accompanied by a copy of an old photograph showing this item on display in a display cabinet within the Guttmann Museum.
LITERATURE:
Cf. 'Warrior of Moixent' Iberian bronze figurine in the Museo de Prehistoria de Valencia, inventory no.2899.
FOOTNOTES:
The horseman's pose with his legs bent and feet held towards the rear would have been necessary before the introduction of stirrups in the early medieval period. The horse appears to sport a disc between its ears, possibly part of the bridle.
282
BRONZE AGE BRITISH COPPER-ALLOY RIVETTED DAGGER
CIRCA 13TH CENTURY B.C.
5⅞ in. (87 grams, 15 cm).
A rapier or dirk blade; the blade roughly leaf-shaped with raised midrib to both faces, flat butt with two rivet holes, one retaining a rivet.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From an old South Coast, UK, collection. Ex Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK.
283
'THE STAINMORE' BRONZE AGE FLAT AXE WITH EXCEPTIONAL CRYSTALLINE PATINA
2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
6⅛ in. (424 grams, 15.5 cm).
Composed of a fan-shaped head with bevelled face and convex cutting edge, flanges creating two elliptical side faces.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Stainmore, Cumbria, UK, in 2012. Ex private U.K. collection.
284
LARGE ROMANO-CELTIC BRONZE 'BRIGANTIAN' DRAGONESQUE BROOCH
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2¼ in. (12.6 grams, 56 mm).
S-shaped with scrolled flourishes to the dragon-head terminals, remains of inlaid blue and possibly red enamelling to the stylised beast heads, geometric ornament to the body; free-running tongue with head coiled around the neck of one of the creatures.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a Cambridge lady, 1990s.
285
VERY LARGE CELTIC ENAMELLED BRONZE DRAGONESQUE BROOCH
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2⅜ in. (24.9 grams, 60 mm).
S-shaped with scrolled flourishes to the dragon-head terminals, remains of inlaid blue and red enamelling to the stylised beast heads, wave and lozenge ornament to the body; free-running tongue with head coiled around the neck of one of the creatures; Romano-British.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Found Lincolnshire, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number '.1088.70b' and '.1088.70a' for very similar.
FOOTNOTES:
Such fibulae served functional and decorative purposes; the curved pin would have fastened pieces of cloth. They were worn singly or as pairs.
286
ROMANO-CELTIC 'BRIGANTIAN' ENAMELLED BRONZE DRAGONESQUE BROOCH
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1¾ in. (11.3 grams, 46 mm).
S-shaped with scrolled flourishes to the dragon-head terminals, remains of inlaid blue and yellow enamelling to the stylised beast heads and body body; free-running tongue with head coiled around the neck of one of the creatures. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Wilberforce, East Yorkshire, UK, on 3rd September 2022 by Mr David Brooks.
Recorded with the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS).
287
BRITISH CELTIC BRIGANTES BRONZE ENAMELLED BOX FITTING ‡
1ST CENTURY A.D.
2¼ in. (37.7 grams, 57 mm).
Possibly the end-panel of a wooden casket, with champ levé enamel scrolls flanking a central palmette within a rectilinear border; Chris Rudd says: 'The S-shaped scroll either side of the central palmette motif is reminiscent of the S-shaped scrolls seen on Lindsey Scyphate gold quarter staters (ABC 1770, 1773), struck by the Corieltavi, close neighbours of the Brigantes.'
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Found North Yorkshire, UK.
Ex Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s. Collection number CE26.
Accompanied by a Chris Rudd information card.
FOOTNOTES:
Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 195253. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s.
288
VIKING BRONZE TORTOISE BROOCH SET
10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
21 in. (334 grams, 53 cm).
Comprising a pair of domed brooches with low-relief zoomorphic decoration in bands, pin to the reverse on a transverse bar, reinforced catchplate; attached to a loop on the reverse of each brooch, a spacer formed as a lobed plaque with double rosette detailing and loops below, two chains connecting to the matched brooch; from the rosette spacers hang two more chains, one with a needle case with openwork knotwork plaque handle above, the other with a decorated lunate pendant.
£1,800 - 2,400
PROVENANCE:
Property of a professional collector; acquired before 1990. Ex London collection since 2016.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11736-201216.
LITERATURE:
For similar oval brooches see Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pls.58ff. and in particular 62-63, 67; see also Graham-Campbell, J. & Kidd, D., The Vikings, London, 1980, figs.52-53, for similar brooches from Norway; Roesdahl, E., Wilson D.M., From Viking to Crusader: The Scandinavians and Europe 800 to 1200 (22nd Council of Europe Exhibition), Copenhagen, 1992, p.69, pp.75, 89, for similar specimens; Berthelot, S., Musin, A., Russie Viking, vers une autre Normandie? Novgorod et la Russie du Nord, des migrations scandinaves á la fin due Moyen Age (VIIIe-Xve s.), Paris, 2011, pp.90-91.
FOOTNOTES:
The most characteristic items of Viking women's jewellery are oval brooch pairs, sometimes called 'tortoise brooches' due to their shape, which are found in many female graves of the period. As in this example, the brooches themselves were usually connected by swags of chains, suspended from the pair of brooches and supporting utilitarian objects such as tweezers, an ear spoon, shears or a small knife, as well as amulets. In addition the wearer displayed strands of beads of glass, silver, amber or jet.
289
VIKING CASED BRONZE TRADE SCALES WITH WEIGHTS AND HACK
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
⅜ - 1¼ in. (1 kg total, 0.9-33 cm).
Scales with triple-ring chains, distributor hubs and three chains to each dish, voided handle and gnomon; case formed as two hemispheres with securing clasps to the rim; set of nine bronze barrelshaped trade weights with punched detailing and identification marks to the flat faces; five silver dirhem coins and thirteen cut halves; two fragments of sheet gold, one with applied filigree tendrils; three hacked pieces of D-section ingot; a silver terminal with beast-head and three convergent bands; two beast-head terminals for a bracelet; six pieces of hacked silver ornament; supplied with a custom-made stand. [43, No Reserve]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
LITERATURE:
See Graham-Campbell, J & Philpott, R., The Huxley Viking HoardScandinavian Settlement in the North West, Liverpool, 2009, for discussion of a silver hoard.
VIKING AGE GOLD TWISTED BRACELET ‡
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
3½ in. (64.4 grams, 88 mm wide).
Comprising a tapering hoop with braided rods to the central section, plain finials coiled around the shank forming collars.
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11882-200711.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Willemsen, A., Vikings! Raids in the Rhine/Meuse region 800-1000, Utrecht, 2004, p.137, for similar; and Sotheby's, London, 10 July 1979, lot 31, for another spirally twisted example.
291
VIKING AGE CRYSTAL SPHERE IN GOLD PENDANT
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2⅝ in. (23.3 grams, 66 mm).
Comprising a rock crystal sphere with shallow notches to accept gold filigree straps, looped at the bottom with separate dangle and green calcite or similar insert; gathered at the top into a sheet gold tube and suspended from a gold wire hoop with ends twisted round the shank. [No Reserve]
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.100(4).
292
VIKING AGE GOLD EARRINGS WITH AMETHYST GEMSTONES
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1⅞ - 2⅛ in. (9.65 grams total, 48-54 mm).
Matched pair, filigree bands and amethyst olive drops with dangles. [2, No Reserve]
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Gräber, Uppsala, 1940, pl.115.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
293
VIKING BRONZE RIDER AND VALKYRIE MOUNT CIRCA 9TH CENTURY A.D.
1⅜ in. (6.3 grams, 34 mm).
Openwork plate brooch or mount with two pierced lugs to the reverse depicting a rider and standing figure; the horse and figures shown in profile; the rider wearing baggy trousers and a cloak or mantle, a spear carried beneath his leg, his hair worn long and knotted at the rear; the standing figure wearing a floor-length robe and holing a shield; square panel beneath the horse with a grid of nine squares.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Found near Great Massingham, Norfolk, UK, circa 2010.
LITERATURE:
Cf. similar mounts from Tissø, Ribe, Sentinget and elsewhere published in Gardeła, G., Pentz, P. and Price, N., Revisiting the 'Valkyries' in Current Swedish Archaeology, December, 2022 (offprint copy included).
294
VIKING BRONZE URNES STYLE ENTWINED BEAST STIRRUP MOUNT
11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (28.3 grams, 53 mm).
Of Williams's Class A Type 10b, a heater-shaped plaque with pierced lug at the apex, two piercings below, low-relief openwork Urnes style design with standing beast and entwined tendrils, narrow ledge to the reverse.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Found Berkshire, UK.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Williams, D., Late Saxon Stirrup-Strap Mounts, York, 1997, item 55, for type.
FOOTNOTES:
The mount has the decorative scheme of Williams's Class A Type 10b but its proportions are closer to his Class A Type 11 with a narrow and elongated upper knop.
295
VIKING BRONZE OPENWORK BOX BROOCH WITH SILVER DETAILING ‡
11TH CENTURY A.D.
2⅛ in. (95 grams, 55 mm).
Formed as an openwork outer shell, inner container and bottom plate; the upper face with central conical boss and four small satellite bosses each with a silver surface disc; to the outer face four pierced tongue-shaped panels with D-shaped finials proud of the upper face, each with a silvered element to the upper end; the bottom plate with integral catchplate and central void, four attachment pins to the underside; the upper face and sidewall executed in Urnes style zoomorphic openwork; the inner element a plain sheet-bronze container.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1950s. Ex private collection, South West England.
LITERATURE:
Cf. MacGregor, A. et al., A Summary Catalogue of the Continental Archaeological Collections, Oxford, 1997, items 1.8,9, for type.
296
VIKING AGE BRONZE TORTOISE BROOCH WITH RAVENS ‡ 9TH-10TH CENTURY A.D.
3⅛ in. (62.6 grams, 80 mm).
With domed elliptical body and narrow flange, high-relief palmette ornament and omega-shaped panels and opposed ravens with curved beaks.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Nerman, B., Die Vendelzeit Gotlands, Stockholm, 1969, pl.VII:5, item 271; cf. Hildebrand, H., Kongl. Vitterhets Historie Och Antiqvitets Akademiens Manadsblad, Stockholm, 1876, fig.82; Arbman, H., Birka I: Die Graber, Uppsala, 1940, fig.151.
Composed of a bifacial design displaying a Christian cross over geometric cells, featuring cut and polished garnet inlays with emerald cabochons to centre of cross, dove-shaped garnets to the lower edge, gold hoop above studded with gold pellets, suspended on a gold link chain with hook-and-eye closure.
£10,000 - 14,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the on the London art market in the 1970s. Property of a London, UK, gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11883-207089.
LITERATURE: Cf. Reynolds Brown, K. et al., From Attila to Charlemagne. Arts of the Early Medieval Period in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2000, pl.12.2, items e, k.
298
ANGLO-SAXON GILT BRONZE CHIP-CARVED BEAST MANUSCRIPT MOUNT
CIRCA 7TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (22.5 grams, 33 mm).
With high-relief aviform head and wings and looped ornamental swags, knotwork panels in the field; two holes for mounting; possibly a book-mount, Hiberno-Saxon workmanship.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Found East Anglia, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11884-204955.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Webster, L. & Backhouse, J., The Making of England. Anglo-Saxon Art and Culture AD 600-900, London, 1991, items 102, 106(a), 107(a).
299
ANGLO-SAXON BRONZE MYTHICAL BEAST SHIELD MOUNT
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
⅜ in. (10.2 grams, 60 mm).
With punched outline to the body and legs, gilded head with open jaws and raised cell eye; attachment studs to the reverse.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Found near Grimsby, UK, circa 2015.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Pollington, S., Kerr, L. & Hammond, B., Wayland's Work: Anglo-Saxon Art, Myth & Material Culture from the 4th to 7th century, Ely, 2010, p.360; Green, B., Rogerson, A., The Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Bergh Apton, Norfolk: Catalogue, East Anglian Archaeology Reports. Gressenhall: Norfolk Archaeological Unit, 1978.
FOOTNOTES:
A number of similar mounts, probably from shields or possibly saddles, have been found in England, notably the beast from grave 26 at Bergh Apton (Norfolk) where the animal depicted may be a bear.
300
FRANKISH BRONZE BUCKLE WITH FACE AND GLOBULAR RIVETS ‡
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
4¾ x 4 in. (105 grams total, 12 x 10 cm).
The roughly D-shaped body engraved with a three-armed geometric motif, a dome between each arm, the articulate tongue with headplate engraved with a stylised hooded face or ithyphallic motif(?), oval buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: with Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152. Private collection, Europe.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.191.223, for similar.
301
FRANKISH BRONZE BUCKLE WITH PHALLIC SYMBOL ‡
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
⅜ in. (70 grams, 86 mm).
The headplate engraved with an ithyphallic penis at the centre enclosed within concentric geometric borders, three domed studs to the perimeter; the penis motif repeated in smaller plate forming part of the tongue, oval-shaped buckle engraved with clusters of vertical lines; remains of tinning; three pierced attachment lugs to reverse; repaired.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: with Paris Hôtel Drouot, 12 July 2005, lot 152. Private collection, Europe.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 17.191.223, for an example dated circa 600 A.D.
302
VIKING AGE GOLD AND ROCK CRYSTAL PENDANT
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (6.87 grams, 32 mm).
The sheet-gold setting with plaited wire border and filigree 'knots' holding a polished rock crystal; tubular suspension loop decorated with interlace knot motif. [No Reserve]
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
303
PRE-VIKING GOLD AROMA BUCKET PENDANT
4TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (2.24 grams, 21 mm).
Adorned with filigree to the sidewall and handle, a polished red glass gem to the base held in a toothed setting. [No Reserve]
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
LITERATURE:
See Khrapunov, I. & Stylegar, F.A., Inter Ambo Maria, Contacts between Scandinavia and the Crimea in the Roman Period , ., , , 1989, Об одной категории украшений-амулетов римского времени
в Восточной Европе, СА, No.3; also see Meaney, A., Anglo-Saxon Amulets and Curing Stones, Oxford, BAR British Series 96, 1981, p.166-168, for discussion of the type.
FOOTNOTES:
Pendants in the form of miniature buckets have been found in a number of pagan Anglo-Saxon and Viking contexts and are generally made of bronze or iron, with gold examples being rare; three gold examples were found with the hoard from Hoen, Norway. Bronze bucket amulets have been found at Driffield in Yorkshire, and Vimose bog in Denmark, among other places. In form they represent wooden buckets bound with bronze or iron bands which have been found in Anglo-Saxon and Viking graves and are believed to have held mead or ale and were used to replenish the cups from which warriors drank. As amulets they probably represent the ecstatic power of alcoholic drink and the role of women as the dispensers of these precious beverages.
304 VIKING AGE GOLD OPEN-ENDED RING
9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.43 grams, 23.67 mm overall, 18.76 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
Formed as a coiled gold rod with overlapped ends; possibly from a hoard of gold and hacksilver.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Ex Alexander Cotton collection, Brockenhurst, UK, 1970s. Private collection Surrey, UK, 2000s.
LITERATURE:
See Graham-Campbell, J., The Cuerdale Hoard and Related Viking-Age Silver and Gold From Britain and Ireland in the British Museum, London, 2011, p.100101, for full discussion.
305
OSTROGOTHIC SILVER-GILT RADIATE-HEADED BROOCH
LATE 5TH CENTURY A.D.
4⅜ in. (28 grams, 11 cm).
Comprising a D-shaped headplate with running-scroll motif and five radiating balustered knops, the median one with an applied cell and inset garnet cabochon; short bow with median rib and tiered junction to the lozengiform footplate with running scroll motifs and cabochon garnets at the angles; lateral pierced triangular panels with cabochon garnets below and a beast-head finial; pin-lugs, spring, pin and catch to the reverse.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2007.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, items VIII.6.2, VIII.6.3.
FOOTNOTES:
The pierced triangular element above the finial was probably intended to represent two animals with heads bent down, the garnet cabochons forming the eyes; this is more clearly shown on the example from Ravenna (VIII.6.2).
306
ALEMANNIC SILVER-GILT S-SHAPED BIRD BROOCH
LATE 6TH-EARLY 7TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (3.88 grams, 31 mm).
With raised borders and median band, all decorated with triangular punchmarks and niello fill; gilt chip-carved band detailing; discoid cell at each end with garnet cloison 'eye' (one absent); pin-lug and catch to the reverse.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item VI.3.14.1.
FOOTNOTES:
A classic development of the S-fibula with bird-head detailing.
307
SAXON AGE SILVER-GILT TREFOIL BROOCH WITH CENTRAL GARNET ‡
6TH-8TH CENTURY A.D.
2⅜ in. (10.79 grams, 59 mm).
Plaque with concentric raised rings and central glass cabochon, three radiating arms each with an S-scroll motif; catch and pin-lug to the reverse.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Youngs, S. (ed.), The Work of Angels. Masterpieces of Celtic Metalwork, 6th-9th centuries AD, London, 1989, item 157(b).
FOOTNOTES:
The brooch is reminiscent of the Anglo-Scandinavian 'trefoil' type but lacks the customary detailing of that type. Its slender proportions and use of S-scrolled tendrils are more readily associated with the Irish metalworking tradition.
308
PRE-VIKING SILVER-GILT SCABBARD MOUNT
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (4.2 grams, 14 mm).
Domed and with a ribbed basal rim, the sidewall with four small circular bosses each framed by a bilinear arch; surmounted by a slightly convex disc bearing an incised cross; transverse bar to the underside; Mortimer's type 4iii.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Acquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
LITERATURE:
See Mortimer, P., A Pyramid Scheme. Pyramid Mounts from the 5th to the 7th century found in the United Kingdom, on academia.edu; Mortimer, P., Woden's Warriors, Ely, 2011, p.115-7.
FOOTNOTES:
The mount is an extremely early example of the so-called 'sword pyramid' mount which was used in the Vendel period as part of the sword-suspension system. It has a parallel in the find from Sandby Borg, Oland, Sweden where Style I masks also appear.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
309
OSTROGOTHIC SILVER-GILT BUCKLE WITH EAGLE-HEADED PLATE
LATE 6TH CENTURY A.D.
5¼ in. (105 grams, 13.3 cm).
Comprising a domed loop with running spiral ornament to the outer face; tongue with ribbed panel to the rear, beast-head finial curved over the forward edge; plate with square panel, cell to each corner and one to the centre with inset cabochon garnets, profile eagle-head to the rear edge with cabochon garnet eye.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Previously in a collection formed between 1990-2000.
From an East London collection.
Property of an important West London collector.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11885-206926.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.33.6.
310
LARGE GOTHIC SILVER-GILT BUCKLE WITH RAVEN AND EAGLE HEADS
LATE 6TH-EARLY 7TH CENTURY A.D.
7 in. (190 grams, 18 cm).
Comprised of a crescent loop with bird-head finials, punched-point detailing and cloison eyes; tongue with beast-head finial; plaque with separate square panel of raised ornament with garnet cloison to each corner, larger central cloison surrounded by eight smaller, profile birdhead to the rear with garnet cloison eye.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Munich in the 1970s.
From an old European collection.
Property of an important West London collector.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 11831-206924.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Ajbabin A., ‘I Goti in Crimea (secoli V-VII) [The Goths in Crimea (5th-7th centuries)’ in I Goti (The Goths), Milano Palazzo Reale 28 gennaio- 8 maggio 1994, (Milan Palazzo Reale 28 January-8 May 1994), Milano, 1994, pp.110135; Menghin, W., The Merovingian Period. Europe Without Borders, Berlin, 2007, item I.7.1.
311
LARGE VIKING SILVER FILIGREE LUNATE PENDANT ‡
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2¼ in. (10.5 grams, 57 mm).
With zones of applied granulation to the D-shaped body, applied bosses with granule clusters, filigree borders and detailing, straps to the reverse.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LITERATURE: Cf. Sedov, B.B., Finno-Ugri i Balti v Epokhi Srednevekovija, Moscow, 1987, pl.XCI (1), for type.
312
VIKING AGE SILVER CROSS PENDANT
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (7.04 grams, 51 mm).
The flat-section cruciform body with integral suspension loop adorned with scrolled filigree and ropework ornament, interlace knot to each arm of the cross set in a granulated field and enclosed within a ropework border; polished rock crystal cabochon set in a circular cell at the centre. [No Reserve]
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
313
VIKING SILVER GRIPPING BEAST PENDANT ‡
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
⅜ in. (8.44 grams, 35 mm).
With integral loop; the openwork plaque with banded border and four panels, internal stylised zoomorph with hatched panel to the hip, gripping three-fingered hands to the body and border, two detailed feet, clearly visible facing mask below the loop with pellet eyes.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, items K-4.
314
VIKING SILVER MASK AND RAVENS PENDANT ‡
10TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (1.6 grams, 22 mm).
With integral loop, border enclosing a low-relief image of a male face between two birds, grasped by arms at the necks, small loop to the top. [No Reserve]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Korshyn, V.E., Yazicheskiye Priveski Drevniye Rysi X-XIV Vekov, Moscow, 2013, item M-12.
315
VIKING AGE SILVER PENDANT WITH HUGINN AND MUNINN CIRCA 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
⅛ in. (6.01 grams, 30 mm high).
Composed of an openwork discoid body displaying the two mythical ravens Huginn and Muninn positioned back-to-back, heads turned to face each other, simple detailing to their feathers and raised notched border; suspension loop to apex. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
316
ANGLO-SAXON BIFACIAL LIMESTONE MONUMENTAL CROSS ARM WITH INTERLACED PANELS
CIRCA 9TH CENTURY A.D.
11⅞ in. (5.67 kg total, 30 cm high including stand).
Portion of a lateral arm or head from a monumental cross of the Mercian Group with scoops at the junction with the shaft; Side A: a panel of dense knotwork within a raised border; Side B: a panel of coiled tendrils enmeshing the stems with vine-leaf finials; tooling and other marks to the undecorated faces; outer face (end): shallow incised cross.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the 1980s.
Ex S. Sherlock collection, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11891-205888.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Murray, J., The Arts in Early England, Volume 1, London, 1921, p. XIV, showing Ruthwell cross with this type of 'winged' arm, made clearer in sketch form on p.117; cf. Murray, J., The Arts in Early England, Volume 2, London, 1937, pl. CVI, for similar form at Cropthorne; Cramp, R., New Directions in the Study of Anglo-Saxon Sculpture, in Transactions of the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society, vol 64, 2010, fig.5, for a similar cross at Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire.
FOOTNOTES: The lateral scoops form a partial round hole, one of four which give these crosses their characteristic form.
317
ANGLO-SAXON GILT-BRONZE CRUCIFORM MOUNT
CIRCA 6TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (19.8 grams, 31 mm).
With a mounting stud at each corner; parcel-gilt surface with central reserved square filled with red enamel; cruciform motif, a scaphoid cell at each corner with red enamel fill, four interstitial panels with chip-carved Style I ornament.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Found near Lakenheath, Suffolk, UK, circa 2012.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11892-204383.
LITERATURE:
Cf. West, S., A Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Finds From Suffolk, East Anglian Archaeology 84, Ipswich, 1998, pl.23(10) and pl.52 (11,12).
318
LARGE ANGLO-SAXON SILVERED BRONZE HANGING BOWL MOUNT
CIRCA 6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D.
2¼ in. (25.5 grams, 57 mm).
Discoid and hollow to the reverse with raised rim and shallow suspension hook with beast-head facetting; panel of three La Tène spirals and comma-leaf motifs, central void.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Found near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK, circa 2010.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11893-204384.
LITERATURE:
Cf. MacGregor, A. & Bolick, E., A Summary Catalogue of the Anglo-Saxon Collections (Non-Ferrous Metals), Oxford, 1993, item 47.19, for type; Pollington, S., Mead Hall – Feasting in Anglo-Saxon England, Hockwold-cum-Wilton, 2003, for discussion; Pollington, S., Kerr, L. & Hammond, B., Wayland's Work: AngloSaxon Art, Myth & Material Culture from the 4th to 7th century, Ely, 2010, p.279-281.
319 ANGLO-SAXON BRONZE SHIELD MOUNT WITH ANIMAL MASKS AND BEAST HEADS
6TH CENTURY A.D.
⅛ in. (68 grams, 54 mm).
The eight arms arranged with alternating trefoil and tapering terminals, the trilobate arms formed as animal masks, the tapering arms as dragon-heads, all with stylised detailing in relief; punched circlets to the field; some remains of mounting lug to reverse centre.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Found Norfolk, UK.
From an East Anglian private collection.
320
VIKING BRONZE BRIDLE STRAP JUNCTION WITH BEAST HEADS ‡ 10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
2½ in. (30 grams, 63 mm).
Comprising a rectangular suspension loop with D-section shank and mask below, two flanking arms each with a zoomorphic (bear?) face, one terminating in a wolf's head and the other in a bird's head; small loops below the terminals.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Found Bardney, Lincolnshire, UK, in the early 1990s.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Leahy, K. and Lewis, M. Finds Identified, London, 2018, p.294, PAS NMS482554, for similar example.
FOOTNOTES:
This bridle junction is decorated in the Anglo-Scandinavian Ringerike style. On each side of the central hole is an outward facing animal, their beaked heads positioned on the outer edges. The details on the face are carried out in moulded relief as well as engraving.
For charges payable in addition
the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
321
VIKING ELABORATE SILVER-GILT TREFOIL BROOCH
9TH CENTURY A.D.
2¼ in. (17.3 grams, 58 mm).
The three arms with rounded terminals and domed outer face; the filigree interlace motif embellished with granulations and larger pellets, highly stylised dragonesque heads with slanted eyes and curled moustaches facing outwards from the end of each arm; reverse slightly concave, featuring a pin lug and catchplate, together with two articulate suspension loops. [No Reserve]
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11894-206847.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1810,1110.3, for a broadly similar example.
322
VIKING AGE SILVER-GILT BEAST PENDANT
9TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (7.18 grams, 33 mm).
The openwork body roughly triangular in plan with rounded corners, the apex formed as a facing beast head, the frame as the creature's sinuous limbs which form an interlace motif below; suspension loop above. [No Reserve]
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
323
VIKING AGE SILVER-GILT MOUNT WITH FIGURE
CIRCA 10TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (15.2 grams, 32 mm).
Sub-rectangular with lip to the reverse; high-relief facing figure with band of straight hair, omega-shaped brow and pellet eyes, stubby body and arms, splayed legs above two omega-shaped elements forming a rosette; mounting plate absent.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Thomas, G., Late Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age Strap-Ends 750-1100: Part , Finds Research Group datasheet 33, Sleaford, 2007, item 29, for type.
FOOTNOTES:
The identity of the facing figure is unknown. There is an earlier, probably 9th century, Anglo-Saxon strap end with a facing nude male in low-relief which might be comparable (Thomas, 2007, item 8).
324
PRE-VIKING SILVER-GILT MYTHICAL BEAST HELMET MOUNT
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (13.6 grams, 42 mm).
In the form of an equine creature modelled in the round with long beak and arched neck; panels of gilded Style I ornament to each lateral face, stepped band with punched detailing extending from the ears to the chest; rounded rump with pointillé detailing; hollow mounting socket to the underside.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11895-204402.
LITERATURE:
Cf. PAS record NLM-219C93, for a similar item from Alborough, Yorkshire; possibly of Scandinavian manufacture, cf. gilded animal-brooch (wolf?) from the 5th c. Danish find at Engegårds jorder in Adamsen, C., Sort Muld, Bornholms Museum, 2008, p.62(1).
FOOTNOTES:
The socket on the underside suggests that the mount was placed prominently, perhaps on the crest of a helmet. Zoomorphic helmet mounts are known e.g. the boars on the Benty Grange and Wollaston examples, though these are not so detailed as the present example. The item is too small to be seen from afar but is ornate enough to attract attention at close quarters. Stylistically, the piece might have been made in southern Scandinavia or in an Anglian area of England in the later 5th or 6th century A.D.
325
VIKING AGE GILT BRONZE 'GREAT BEAST' FIGURE CIRCA 11TH CENTURY A.D. 3 in. (78 grams, 77 mm).
Standing with a beak-like face, ears, hooves and a long curled tail, spirals on the upper legs. [No Reserve]
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE: Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
LITERATURE: Cf. William, G. et al., Vikings Life and Legend, The British Museum, London, 2014, p.110, item 56, for similar, dated 11th century A.D.
addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
VIKING AGE SILVER THOR'S HAMMER NECKLACE
10TH-11TH CENTURY A.D.
30 in. (116 grams, 76 cm long).
Comprising: an openwork trichinopoly chain with D-section beasthead terminals each with granule and filigree detailing, pierced at the lower end to accept a round-section hoop by two further rings to a hoop with free-running hollow silver Thor's hammer pendant with filigree ornament to the upper face. [No Reserve]
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s. Westminster collection, central London, UK.
Accompanied by a specialist metal analysis report. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11896-203749.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Magnus, B. et al., Bird, Beast and Man in Nordic Iron Age Art, Vol.2, Koln, 2005, items 77, 106, 239 (chain), Kongl. Vitterhets Historie och Antiqvitets Akademiens Månadsblad, 1895 (pendant).
THE HIGH-STATUS 'RYEDALE' ANGLO-SAXON BRONZE HANGING BOWL COMPLETE WITH ALL FOUR CHIP-CARVED MOUNTS 550-700 A.D. 1⅜ - 7⅞ in. (381 grams total, 3.6-20 cm).
An excessively rare and almost complete copper-alloy hanging bowl and associated fittings comprising: (i) the bowl with three attached matching hooked escutcheons and suspension rings (ii) the basal disc (iii) a body fragment (or possible repair patch) (iv) a curved bronze fragment (ii) the basal disc with separate frame (iii) fragment of copper-alloy sheet, possibly forming part of a repair to the base of the bow (iv) a curved copper-alloy strip (iv) four skeletal fragments from a sheep or similar. [9] £20,000 - 30,000
PROVENANCE: Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Ryedale, North Yorkshire, UK, on Sunday 5th February 2023 by Chris Ulliot.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.YORYM-59523A. Accompanied by a hand written signed letter from the finder explaining the circumstances of finding.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11897-207827.
FOOTNOTES: Hanging-bowls are high-status vessels with origins in the Roman period which continued in use only in Britain and, later, in Ireland. They appear in burial contexts which date them to the sixth to late seventh century. The form of this example is paralleled by the bowl from Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk (British Museum accession number 1984,0103.9) which has a similar shape and kiteshaped escutcheons secured by three rivets (Bruce-Mitford, 2005, Corpus No. 86).
the final hammer
of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's
Of Martin's Group 4 with rectangular headplate and florid face-masks to the three edges and conical eyes, deep bow with with square central panel, footplate with square lateral lappets, triangular facemask finial with conical eyes; pin-lug and catchplate to the reverse; gilded surface abraded.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Found Scampton, Lincolnshire, UK.
From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2000.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11898-204375.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Martin, T., The Cruciform Brooch and Anglo-Saxon England, Woodbridge, 2015, p.78-9.
PUBLISHED:
Leahy, K., The Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Lindsey, Stroud, 2007, pl.7.
FOOTNOTES: The florid type of cruciform brooch stands at the end of the series and probably dates to the middle of the 6th century according to the most recent discussion (Martin, 2015). The present example has a close parallel in the find from Duston, Northamptonshire, which Martin assigns to his Type 4.7.1, among the very last (or most fully developed) group in the seriation. The headplate, bow and footplate each have a square panel of Style I zoomorphic ornament within a thick frame; the headplate features blocks of billeting to three edges and punched triangular ornament on the frame, which also appears on the lateral edges of the finial. The conical eyes on the facing masks are an unusual and very distinctive feature which would have made casting the brooch a technical challenge. There is some evidence for silvering on the flat rectangular surfaces (T-shaped on the headplate and rectangular on the lappets and finial). The openwork masks on the headplate develop into profile bird-heads. This brooch was recovered by a metal-detectorist in several pieces over a period of some years, and re-assembled. It was published by Leahy in his authoritative work on the Kingdom of Lindsey.
Of Hines's Group X with two discs on the headplate in a rectangular frame surrounded by a frieze of facing human masks, and another mask placed centrally above the junction with the bow; shallow bow with three ribs; curved horse-head lappets flanking a vertical shank with facing mask detailing, discoid lobes and an inverted mask below; pin-lugs to the reverse and solder-scar where the catchplate was attached.
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE: Found near Grimsby, Humberside, UK, circa 2010.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11899-204377.
LITERATURE: Cf. Hines, J., A New Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooches, London, 1997, pl. 101(a); Franceschi, G., Jorn, A. & Magnus, B., Mennesker, Guder og Masker i Nordisk Jernalderkunst, vol.1, Borgen, 2005; Mortimer, P., Woden's Warriors - Warriors and warfare in 6th-7th century Northern Europe, Ely, 2011.
FOOTNOTES: The brooch has many of the characteristics of Hines's Group X but also bears a strong resemblance to an unclassified example from Barrington A, Cambridgeshire (Hines, 1997, pl.101). The frieze of facing masks which forms the border to the headplate has echoes of contemporary motifs found on the headplate of the brooch from Fridaythorpe (Hines, 1997, pl.8(b)) and the crests of helmets such as Valsgarde mounds 5 and 7 (Sweden) - see Mortimer, 2011, p.32-35). The inverted mask on the finial echoes the 7th century shield-fitting from Vall, Gotland (Franceschi et al, 2005, pl.209). The significance of the mask motifs has been discussed in the cited works of Franceschi et al and Mortimer. A link to generations of deified ancestors is one possibility.
330
ANGLO-SAXON GILT BRONZE GREAT SQUARE-HEADED BROOCH
6TH CENTURY A.D.
5⅜ in. (136 grams, 13.5 cm).
Of Hines's Group XX with square headplate bearing concentric bands of billets, undulating lines and punched points, with vesica motifs to the upper corners; thick shallow bow with central rib, isosceles triangle footplate with horse-head lappets and flanking lobes with concentric rings, ropework bands and central vesica, disc finial with ropework border; pin-lugs to the reverse and broad catch.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
Found near Grimsby, Humberside, UK, circa 2010.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Hines, J., A New Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooches, London, 1997, pl.78(a).
FOOTNOTES:
The brooch shows a restrained use of low-relief detailing confined to largely geometric features other than the horse-heads at the shoulders and the single facing mask on the headplate above the junction with the bow. The bow itself is very thick and displays a prominent median rib with just a suggestion of outer ribs. The mineral deposits on the reverse bear the imprint of the textile to which the brooch was attached.
331
ANGLO-SAXON GILT BRONZE GREAT SQUARE-HEADED BROOCH
6TH CENTURY A.D.
5¾ in. (100 grams, 14.5 cm).
Of Hines's Group X with rectangular headplate featuring low-relief bird-heads and a raised piriform mask to each upper corner; shallow bow with raised ribs and a stud to the centre; triangular footplate with coiled horse-head lappets forming the shoulders, lateral lobes (one detached) with sheet-silver surface, inverted facing mask to the finial; remains of ferrous pin and catch to the reverse.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Found near March, Cambridgeshire, UK, circa 2015.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Hines, J., A New Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooches, London, 1997, pl.33(b).
FOOTNOTES:
A close match to the features of the March brooch is not recorded in Hines's corpus, but the very distinctive isosceles triangle footplate with sharp shoulders appears on the example from Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire (Hines's pl.33(b). The facing masks in the upper corners of the headplate also appear on an example from Driffield (Hines, 1997, pl.82(a).
332333
332
PUBLISHED ANGLO-SAXON GILT BRONZE GREAT SQUAREHEADED BROOCH
6TH CENTURY A.D.
5¾ in. (114 grams, 14.5 cm).
Of Hines's Group I with border of facing masks to the headplate, two discs within incised frames and raised mask between; shallow bow with three ribs, the median one with a central boss and extending to a small beast-head between the curled horse-head lappets; lozengeshaped footplate with ropework border and facing bearded mask, lateral lobes and lobe finial with an inverted facing mask; applied silver-sheet detailing to the edges of the footplate; remains of pin-lugs and catch to the reverse.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Found Scampton, Lincolnshire, UK.
From the private collection of Alan Harrison, circa 2000.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11900-204376.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Hines, J., A New Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooches, London, 1997, pl.9(a), for type.
PUBLISHED:
Leahy, K., The Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Lindsey, Stroud, 2007, pl.8.
333
ANGLO-SAXON GILT BRONZE GREAT SQUARE-HEADED BROOCH
6TH CENTURY A.D.
4½ in. (77.9 grams, 11.5 cm).
Of Hines's Group XIII with running scrolls on the headplate surrounded by a border of beast-masks, deep bow with raised ribs, curved horse-head lappets and lateral lobes with facing masks, median panel of Style I ornament; remains of ferrous pin to the reverse and deep catch; some silver detailing; finial absent.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Found near Thetford, Norfolk, UK, circa 2010.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Hines, J., A New Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Great Square-Headed Brooches, London, 1997, pl.42(a).
FOOTNOTES:
This brooch falls within Hines's Group XIII and shares many features with an example from Nassington, Northamptonshire. The headplate bears a raised rectangular frame (possibly silvered) separating the inner scroll motif from the outer band of animal-masks which are pierced along the inner edge; the lappets are also pierced at the point of junction with the footplate. The lateral lobes feature facing masks of a helmetted type similar to those featured on contemporary button brooches.
334
NORMAN SILVER-GILT STATANT BEAST BROOCH CIRCA 11TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (8.3 grams, 28 mm).
Of Romanesque style with hollow reverse to the body, catch behind the neck and hinged pin to the reverse; modelled in the half-round.
£1,800 - 2,400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Zarnecki, G., Holt, J. & Holland, T., English Romanesque Art 1066-1200, London, 1984, item 256, for similar treatment of a zoomorphic form.
335
LARGE MEDIEVAL BRONZE KNIGHT'S HERALDIC SEAL MATRIX OF COUNT ROBERT IN FULL ARMOUR CIRCA 15TH CENTURY A.D.
1⅜ in. (38.9 grams, 34 mm).
Featuring a large circular die face and hexagonal stem, with collars and pierced quatrefoil handle, incised orientation star to edge; the die bearing a knightly device of a helmet with chaplet on canted shield of arms bearing three bull's heads cabossed and chevron with surrounding ' LE * S * ROBERTI * LE CONTES' legend.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Found near Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, circa 2008.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11901-204414.
FOOTNOTES:
'Sigillum Roberti le Contes ' is 'seal of Count Robert'. Three bulls' heads appear on the arms of the Beverley family. The chaplet or 'cap of maintenance' is a stylised fur-lined cap which appears in the heraldry of leading families; the helm of the Black Prince in Canterbury Cathedral is made with a chaplet and a lion standing on the rim.
336
LARGE MEDIEVAL GILT BRONZE KNIGHT'S HERALDIC HORSE HARNESS MOUNT WITH CROWNED R 14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D. 1⅝ in. (24.4 grams, 42 mm).
Quatrefoil in plan with triangular tab between each lobe, blue and red enamelled design displaying a crowned capital letter R, with trace remains of gilding; mounting lug to reverse.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired early 1990s. From an East Anglian private collection.
337
MEDIEVAL VIRGIN AND CHILD BY A FOLLOWER OF DIRK BOUTS SOUTHERN NETHERLANDS, CIRCA 1490 A.D. 22½ in. (2.8 kg, 57 cm high).
Oil on board devotional panel in a gilt wooden frame; the Virgin in a bottle-green gown with gilt collar and cream undershift, crimson mantle; the naked Christ supported on his mother's left hip, his left foot clasped in the interleaved fingers of her right hand; textured gilt field; attributed to a follower of Dirk Bouts. [No Reserve] £10,000 - 14,000
PROVENANCE: Collection of Henri and Suzanne Paradis since circa 1967. From the sale of their collection at Deburaux, 4 July 2015, lot 19. Ex central London gallery.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11902-207281.
338
MEDIEVAL LIMESTONE CORBEL HEAD
CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D.
11¼ in. (4.65 kg, 28.5 cm including stand).
The figure carved with naturalistic facial features, wearing a hooded cowl; remains of the hooded springer to the top of the head and reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK. Ex London collection, 1980s-1990s.
339
MEDIEVAL LIMESTONE CORBEL HEAD
CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D.
11 in. (3.8 kg, 28 cm including stand).
The figure carved wearing a hooded cowl, face face with furrowed brow, hooded eyes, sunken cheeks and down-turned mouth; remains of moulded springer to the top and rear of the head; chipped; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE: Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK. Ex London collection, 1980s-1990s.
340
LATE MEDIEVAL BRONZE CHALICE
EASTERN EUROPE, 16TH-17TH CENTURY A.D.
4¾ in. (6 in.) (750 grams, 12 cm high (890 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)).
Formed with a U-shaped bowl, tapering cylindrical stem and domed discoid foot, the body exterior displaying clusters of vertical ribs alternating with columns of pellets; mounted on a custom-made wooden display base.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Portable Antiquities Scheme, LON-661B25, for a similar, although not identical, lead goblet.
For
hammer
of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
341
MEDIEVAL LIMOGES BRONZE AND CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL ROUNDEL WITH FANTASTICAL CREATURE ‡ CIRCA 13TH CENTURY A.D.
3½ in. (61 grams, 89 mm wide).
Openwork winged beast to the centre, its tails curling beneath the body creating the foliate tendrils on which it perches, broad outer roundel decorated with geometric plants alternating with lozenges, extensive remains of blue champlevé enamelling; engraved and chiselled; four attachment holes.
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
with Sotheby's, London, 9 December 1993, lot 22. Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11903-206496.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The Louvre, The Work of Limoges: Limousin enamels from the Middle Ages, Paris, 1995, pp.288-291, for discussion and an almost identical example; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, accession number 17.190.796, for type.
FOOTNOTES:
Likely used to adorn a coffret. Likely before 1227 A.D.
342
MEDIEVAL ROMANESQUE MARBLE HEAD OF A SAINT ‡ LATE 12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
7 in. (3.8 kg, 18 cm).
Carved naturalistically in the round as a mature male figure with short wavy hair, full beard and moustache, his brow furrowed and mouth held slightly ajar; repaired.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1996.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11809-206816.
LITERATURE:
See Sauerländer, W., Gothic Sculpture in France 1140-1270, Ambrams, 1972; Cahn, W. and Seidel, L., Romanesque Sculpture in American Collections, 1: New England Museums, New York, 1979; Williamson, P., Gothic Sculpture 11401300, Yale University Press, 1995; Fogg, S., 30 Heads, stone heads from the 12th to the 15th century, London-New York, 2018.
FOOTNOTES:
The head was carved as an image of a saint, Apostle or a prophet. The accomplished and sophisticated style of carving on this head can be compared to some of the most celebrated Romanesque buildings of Southern France. The carving of the head resembles the representations of heads and faces of 12th century French Romanesque art, for example those of Saint Trophime in Arles. This imposing head once served as an important architectural part of a lavishly decorated church, possibly in western France. Its form and the size suggest that the head was not only decorative but that it would have been structurally important – perhaps part of a row of statues of apostles and prophet like those depicted on the Saint Trophime façade.
343
MEDIEVAL STAINED GLASS PANEL WITH THE CRUCIFIXION GERMANY, ERFURT(?), CIRCA 1420 A.D.
23⅜ x 17⅜ in. (3.3 kg, 59.5 x 44 cm).
Rectangular with lead came framing; scene of the Crucifixion with emaciated nimbate Christ on the Christ flanked by a robed and nimbate male and female figure (Mary Magdalene), within an arch formed by two vertical pillars with facet detailing, scroll with 'INRI' above. [No Reserve]
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE: Galerie de Chartres, 8 March 2009, lot 12. Ex central London gallery.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11904-207296.
344
MEDIEVAL STAINED GLASS PANEL WITH NOBLEMAN FLEMISH, EARLY 16TH CENTURY A.D.
12⅜ in. (467 grams, 32 cm high).
Rectangular with lead cames in a regular frame with later suspension loops; painted central panel with standing nobleman in floor-length coat with tiered fur collar, chaperon hat, hand resting on the belt. [No Reserve]
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
Ex The Monastery Stained Glass, Northamptonshire, UK, 2004. Ex central London gallery.
345
MEDIEVAL STAINED GLASS PANEL WITH AN ANGEL SWITZERLAND, CIRCA 1500-1550 A.D.
9 in. (416 grams, 23 cm wide).
With circular lead came frame, painted image of a nimbate angel with wings spread supporting a heraldic shield with quartered arms on a blue celestial field. [No Reserve]
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE:
Alder Nordmann, 11 May 2021, lot 97. Ex central London gallery.
346 MEDIEVAL CARVED AND BONE-INLAID CASKET PROBABLY VENICE, CIRCA 1400-1420 A.D.
9⅞ in. (1.28 kg, 25 cm wide).
The wood carcass set to the front with a frieze of bone panels carved with paired figures, the sides with further bone panels of differing subjects, each corner with a figure holding a rod and a shield (one a replacement), the back with associated geometric pierced panels; on bun feet; the lid with bone and ebony alternating fillet rim surrounding alla certosina inlay below bone panels carved with winged figures holding banners against a trailing leaf ground; the sides with vacant drops; all below a stepped top with further intarsia work; from the studio of Baldassare Embriachi (active 1393-1433 A.D.); the geometric piercing of the rear panels appears to be Carolingian in style and may date from as early as the 9th century (see Adolph Goldschmidt, 'Die Elfenbeinskulpturen aus der Zeit der karolingischen und sächsischen Kaiser, VIII.-XI. Jahrhundert', Berlin 1914-26, Vol.II, No.180); these were probably affixed as part of a later restoration of the casket, possibly during the 19th century. [No Reserve]
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
Private collection, London, UK.
Sotheby's, London, 9 December 2005, lot 8. Ex central London gallery.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11905-207284.
LITERATURE:
For similar caskets see two held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, Nos. 47191859 and A.22-1952; see related literature: M. Tomasi, La Bottega degli Embriachi, Florence, 2001; see also P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings: 1200-1550, Part II, London, Victoria and Albert Museum, 2014, especially pp.845-7 and 848-9.
FOOTNOTES:
The Florentine merchant Baldassare Embriachi (or more correctly, Ubriachi), whose workshop in the city was producing carvings in the 1370s, moved to Venice in around 1390, establishing another atelier there. His widespread diplomatic and mercantile contacts allowed him to promote its wares, including large altar pieces, through much of Europe. On a more domestic front, it is thought a wealthy and burgeoning merchant class used caskets such as this for gifts during the often complicated marriage negotiations of the period (Glyn Davies and Kristin Kennedy, 'Medieval and Renaissance Art: People and Possessions', London, 2009, pp.105-6). Traditionally all such caskets were attributed to the Embriachi workshop, but it is now thought there may have been a number of different workshops operating in Venice in the early 15th century, producing such works, encouraged by the success of the Embriachi enterprise.
347
MEDIEVAL BRONZE POCKET SUNDIAL WITH SEAL OF THE ARMS OF FRANCE AND T S 15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
⅝ in. (14.4 grams, 40 mm).
The flat-section hoop with raised circular seal bezel bearing engraved three fleur de lis flanked by initials T-S, hoop with openwork bar to one side, together with engraved gradation lines and letters representative of the months of the year above and below, and the hours marked on hoop interior.
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Acquired early 1990s.
From an East Anglian private collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, record id. SWYOR9104DD, for similar. The record comments that no other examples recorded with PAS combine a sundial with a seal.
348
MEDIEVAL BRONZE STEELYARD WEIGHT WITH HERALDIC SHIELDS
CIRCA 1260-1300 A.D.
2¼ in. (615 grams, 56 mm).
Heavy with a lead core, spherical in form with pierced flange for suspension above and hatched band to the shoulder; three heater shields with raised heraldic arms spaced equally around the body, etched geometric band of chevrons above. [No Reserve]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Ex Simmons Gallery, London E11, UK, in the 1990s.
From a North London collection.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Saunders, Peter and Eleanor, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue, Part 1, SSWM, 1991, p.48, item 1, for an example displaying the same heraldry; cf. Ward Perkins, J. B., Medieval Catalogue, London Museum Catalogues 7, 1940, p.173, item A2487, pl.XXXVIII, 2, for another example.
349
MEDIEVAL BRONZE PERSONAL SEAL MATRIX OF JOHN DE LA POLE, SECOND DUKE OF SUFFOLK, CONSTABLE OF WALLINGFORD CASTLE AND HIGH STEWARD OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (8.7 grams, 19 mm).
The circular high-quality die bearing a central star/sun over crescent moon with concentric pelleted borders enclosing Latin legend in Lombardic script: 'S' IOh' D' LA POLE CANP'; probably the counterseal of John de la Pole, Second Duke of Suffolk, of facetted hexagonal-section stem with pellet trefoil to show orientation when in use, collar and pentagonal suspension loop; accompanied by an impression. [No Reserve] £400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Wantage, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire, UK, between January and May 2011.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-749E31.
350
MEDIEVAL GILT BRONZE LION FINIAL
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
1¼ in. (25.1 grams, 32 mm high).
Modelled in the half-round standing with head left on a plinth base, rectangular fixing socket to underside. £400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's
351
MEDIEVAL GILT BRONZE PROCESSIONAL CROSS ‡
15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D. 20¾ in. (920 grams, 52.5 cm).
With wooden core to which the embossed sheets have been attached; the obverse with a central nimbate Corpus Christi, an applied rosette above and to the left arm; an angel to the finial of the upper and lower arm with Mary and St John the Evangelist to the side arms; the reverse with a central figure of Jesus holding the Gospel and making the sign of blessing; each finial of the arm with the symbols of the Evangelists (eagle, angel, lion and ox); the cross resting on a floral sphere with a socket below.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE: with Adolphe Goumaz, Pully, Switzerland. Ex private collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11804-206500.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Mezzacasa, L.M., ‘Per un corpus di croci astili tra Veneto e Trentino (secoli XIV-XV)’, in Hortus Artium Medievalium, 19 (2013), pp. 433-447, figs.1, 5, 6, 16, 26.
FOOTNOTES: The metal sheets of the cross seem to be 15th century A.D. North Italian work. The four Evangelists are depicted with a human face at the front of the cross, and in animal forms at the reverse.
352
LEATHER BOUND ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT
CIRCA 15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
4⅜ x 3⅜ in. (296 grams, 11 x 8.5 cm).
Codex of vellum pages bound within leather covers with securing straps; each page with a block of ten lines of Coptic black-ink text in Greek letters with red highlighting; probably from Egypt. [No Reserve] £800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
353
MEDIEVAL GOLD RING WITH INSCRIPTION
14TH-15TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (5.98 grams, 22.96 mm overall, 18.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P½, USA 7¾, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
The keeled hoop with three X-motifs, two stylised animal heads supporting the oval bezel inscribed with Lombardic letters (letters M and X separated by decorative motifs, cross to the top); the possibly earlier intaglio with a draped bust of an empress (Faustina the Younger?) in profile to the left, with an elongated neck and curled hair tied back in a bun at the nape of the neck.
£3,500 - 4,500
PROVENANCE:
Acquired at Christie's, New York (Antiquities Sale), circa 2000. Important North West London collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.11818-204560.
LITERATURE:
Cf. intaglio with head in similar style in the British Museum, inventory no.1923,0401.816 and 1873,0111.13; for a similar head see Cravinho, G., ‘Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon’ in Studies in ancient Art and Civilization, vol.21, 2017, pp.173-245, fig.43, pl.4.
FOOTNOTES:
It is likely that the inscription is abbreviation for 'Memento Mori', meaning 'remember you must die', accompanied by a cross and X for Christ. This imagery served as a reminder to the Christians to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.
354
RENAISSANCE GOLD RING WITH YOUNG SATYR GEMSTONE CIRCA 16TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
⅛ in. (20.22 grams, 28.60 mm overall, 18.96 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R½, USA 8¾, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)).
With round-section shank and dished bezel, inset glass cabochon displaying a youthful male bust in three-quarter view, possibly Apollo. £7,000 - 9,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1980s on the London art market. Ex Walsh collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11906-207091.
355
MEDIEVAL GOLD RING WITH CARNELIAN GEMSTONE LATE 15TH-EARLY 16TH CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (4.33 grams, 18.91 mm overall, 15.29 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G½, USA 3½, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)).
With integral ellipsoid bezel set with a carnelian cabochon. £1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
356
MEDIEVAL LIMESTONE FINIAL WITH SCENES FROM THE NATIVITY
12TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
2¾ - 3 in. (812 grams total, 70-78 mm).
An architectural structural element, carved in two pieces: the upper section formed as a tulip with rounded base, the Nativity scene depicted on all sides comprising: the Virgin and Child seated on a throne, surrounded by divine light; the three wise men bearing gifts to her right, the foremost man kneeling next to the throne; behind the wise men a scene depicting Mary resting on a bed with Joseph beside her, the Child in his cradle with a donkey and an ox looking over him bathed in divine light; the last scene representing the meeting between Mary and Saint Elizabeth; the square base with spandrels. [2, No Reserve]
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the early 2000s. Ex Norfolk, UK, collection.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11782-205862.
LITERATURE: See Hack, B., Mons, I mosaici della Patriarcale Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (The mosaics of the Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore), Rome, 1967; Schug-Wille, C., L’arte bizantina (The Byzantine Art), Milano, 1970; Little, C.T., Set in stone, The face in medieval sculpture, Madrid, 2007; Turnock, J.A., Landscapes of Patronage, Power and Salvation: A Contextual Study of Architectural Stone Sculpture in Northern England, c.1070 - c.1155, Durham University, 2018.
FOOTNOTES: The treatment of the faces is similar to various English Romanesque ecclesiastical sculpture; see for example Christ in Majesty in St Andrew's Church in Bugthorpe or a loose corbel from the St Bees Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint Bega (Cumbria).
357
LARGE STUART PERIOD GOLD HERALDIC SIGNET RING WITH 'SCOTTISH ROTHESAY FAMILY' ARMS
17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (14.20 grams, 24.10 mm overall, 20.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V½, USA 10¾, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)).
With a D-section hoop flaring out to an oval bezel bearing the engraved incuse arms 'party per fess, two fleurs-de-lys and chequy (in four rows of six pieces)' with bird-head crest above and foliate tendrils at sides.
£5,000 - 7,000
PROVENANCE:
From a 1990s private collection. Property of a European gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11907-2045633.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Oman, C.C., British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, pl.50(f), for type.
FOOTNOTES:
While linking this ring firmly to a branch of a family requires further research, the combination of two fleurs-de-lys with a partial chequy in a coat of arms is connected to the badge of the Rothesay Herald of Arms and also to the Dukes of Rothesay, sons of the Kings of Scotland and with the dukedom first conferred on David, eldest son of Robert III, in 1398 A.D. and the office of Herald passing down to the present day; the arms on this ring could perhaps be connected to this dukedom or office.
358
GOLD HERALDIC SIGNET RING WITH THE ARMS OF THE FRIARS OF THE ORDER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MERCY 15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER ⅞ in. (7.79 grams, 22.13 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)).
A broad flat hoop with three raised bands to outer face to which is affixed a shield-shaped bezel engraved with 'party per fess, a croix pattée and paly' being the arms of the Order; possibly of Spanish manufacture.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
From a 1990s private collection. Property of a European gentleman.
Accompanied by information on the history of the Order. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11908-205634.
FOOTNOTES:
This Order, sometimes known as the Mercedarians, was founded by Saint Peter Nolasco in 1218 A.D. in Barcelona and still exists today as an international community of priests and brothers who generally follow the monastic Rule of St Augustine; the Order originally sought to save or ransom Christian prisoners of the Moors and other followers of Islam, extending firstly from Moorish Spain and on eastwards, across north Africa and to the Saracen Holy Land, even going so far as the members of the Order specifically taking a Fourth Vow to offer themselves or their lives up to save a Christian captive who is in danger of losing their faith. This gold ring, showing the arms of the Order, would have been owned and worn by a senior member or office-holder.
359
GEORGIAN GOLD LOVE RING WITH TAURUS AND HEART FOR AI ‡ CIRCA 18TH-19TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (19.11 grams, 24.36 mm overall, 22.14 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6½, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)).
The hoop with convex outer face, the cast elliptical bezel with small heart and other motifs in the field.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
360
GOLD 'THY VERTUE IS THY HONOR' POSY RING
18TH CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (2.20 grams, 17.11 mm overall, 14.60 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G½, USA 3½, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)).
The slender band with a convex outer face and inscription in cursive script to the interior: 'Thy vertue is thy honor' followed by maker's mark 'DA' in a rectangular cartouche. [No Reserve]
£300 - 400
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the early 1990s.
Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The British Museum, museum number 1961,1202.361, for a very similar ring with this inscription, dated 17th century; cf. Evans, J., English Posies and Posy Rings, OUP, 1931, p.100, for this inscription.
FOOTNOTES:
The maker's mark is possibly a Britannia style mark composed of the first two letters of the surname of one Isaac Davenport, active 1696-1731.
361
GOLD 'X THE SIGHT OF THEE DOTH COMFORT ME' POSY RING
18TH CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (1.49 grams, 19.04 mm overall, 16.89 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)).
The slender band with a convex outer face, inscription to the hoop interior in cursive lettering: 'x The sight of thee doth comfort me'. [No Reserve]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the early 1990s.
Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Evans, J., English Posies and Posy Rings, OUP, 1931, p.96, for similar inscriptions.
362
ELIZABETHAN GOLD HERALDIC 'SWAN FAMILY' SIGNET RING
16TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (17.61 grams, 23.28 mm overall, 17.93 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P½, USA 7¾, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)).
Very heavy high-carat merchants ring with oval bezel bearing heraldic helmet and shield design with a chevron below two mullets and an eagle's head at the base; the helmet with luxurious looped mantle and crest of a human bust; to the underside, an incuse panel with reserved swan on a textured field probably a device alluding to the family name.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE: From a 1990s private collection. Property of a European gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11909-207247.
LITERATURE:
Cf. Oman, C.C., British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, pl.47 (C,D).
FOOTNOTES:
The arms appear to be a variant of those used by Adam de Cretinge in the Dering Roll of the late 13th century.
363
RENAISSANCE GOLD RING WITH A HIGH-QUALITY FACETTED DIAMOND
16TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (2.44 grams, 22.59 mm overall, 15.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4¾, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)).
Composed of a slender hoop with ornamental shoulders, scallops and pellets to the oblong box bezel, set with a cut and polished diamond; traces of black enamel remaining to the lower half and base of the bezel; the diamond believed to be: VS 1, colour H.
£4,000 - 6,000
PROVENANCE:
From an early 20th century family collection. Acquired by a London gentleman in the 1930s, thence by descent. From the private collection of a Kent, UK, lady.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11910-206607.
LITERATURE:
Cf. The V&A Museum, accession number 731-1902, for a similar ring dated 16th century.
364 STUART PERIOD GOLD RING WITH CRYSTAL FACE WITH DOVE OF PEACE OVER CYPHER
CIRCA 17TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (4.12 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 19.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7½, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
The slender rose gold hoop supported a yellow gold, oval-shaped bezel with scalloped sidewall, set with a cut and polished crystal face over a gold wire border enclosing a dove of peace over a cypher, against a field of plaited hair.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From a European collection formed in the 1960s. From the private collection of a Kent, UK, lady.
LITERATURE: Cf. The V&A Museum, accession number M.50-1974, for a similar early 18th century example.
FOOTNOTES: Possibly given as a memorial ring or as a gift of love or friendship.
365
GOLD 'NO RECOMPENCE BUT LOVE' POSY RING
17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
¾ in. (2.72 grams, 18.41 mm overall, 16.33 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5¼, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)).
The hoop with a convex outer face and inscription in cursive lettering to the interior: 'No recompence but love', followed by maker's initials 'NC' in rectangular cartouche. [No Reserve]
£400 - 600
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the early 1990s. Property of a Berkshire, UK, gentleman.
LITERATURE: Cf. The British Museum, museum number AF.1350, for a ring with this inscription; cf. Evans, J., English Posies and Posy Rings, OUP, 1931, p.84, for this inscription.
For charges payable in addition to the final hammer price of each Lot see paragraphs 19 & 26 of buyer's T&C's
366
LARGE MOGHUL CALLIGRAPHIC JADEITE RING
DATED 1168 A.H.; 1754 A.D.
1⅜ in. (19.85 grams, 34.34 mm overall, 21.59 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W½, USA 11¼, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)).
Featuring a carinated hoop with raised plaque to base and foliage around the body, large oval bezel with notched circumference, bearing a calligraphic inscription in Arabic over two lines.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
London collection since the 1980s.
Property of a Canadian family.
367
RACING HORSE OWNER'S JEWEL WITH DIAMONDS
LATE 19TH CENTURY A.D.
⅞ in. (6.03 grams, 21.30 mm).
An 'Essex Crystal' depicting a galloping race horse with jockey dressed in blue and white silks with yellow cap, housed in it's original leather box from 'J. Moore, Watchmaker & Jeweller, 18 Corn Market, Derby'.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11911-204599.
368
LARGE TALISMANIC EMERALD GEM IN GILT RING
20TH CENTURY A.D.
1⅜ in. (29.04 grams, 34.53 mm overall, 23.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+4, USA 14¼, Europe 33.83, Japan 32)).
Cut and polished with calligraphic Arabic script inscribed within a polygonal cartouche to centre; held in a claw setting with beading below, hoop with openwork shoulders. [No Reserve]
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
London collection since the 1980s. Property of a Canadian family.
ROSE GOLD MALTESE CROSS PENDANT WITH GARNETS
19TH CENTURY A.D.
1½ in. (4.86 grams, 40 mm).
The cross centre formed as a rosette and the arms as tear-shaped cells with three lobes to each perimeter, set with facetted garnet gemstones, suspension loop to apex; once used as a brooch.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired from 1st Dibs. From the private collection of a Kent, UK, lady.
370 MOGHUL GOLD AND GEM INLAID JADEITE PENDANT CIRCA 1800 A.D.
2 in. (20.57 grams, 51 mm).
With pierced suspension block, applied gold filigree frame and scene of two birds in a tree with inset central diamond with emeralds, rubies and spinel.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE: Acquired in Delhi, India, before 1987. Rogers collection, Suffolk, UK.
371 GOLD SAINT GEORGE PENDANT ‡
19TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (18.41 grams, 50 mm).
In Byzantine style with wire coils to the outer edge, hinged loop; to the obverse, a repoussé beaded border framing a facing nimbate St George with cloak and akheton holding a spear across the body, ' ' (George) inscription; to the reverse, an expanding-arm cross with bulb finials, tendrils below the arms, 'IC XC' above.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.
372
GEORGIAN GOLD NECKLACE WITH GEMSTONES
CIRCA 18TH CENTURY A.D.
16 in. (30.02 grams, 40.5 cm long).
Composed of a series of slender coiled wire links, each punctuated with a single pearl bead; featuring seven cut and polished agate intaglio gemstones set in open-backed gold frames and showing a variety of gods, goddesses, symbols and creatures from Classical mythology; held in a custom-made hinged display case with fastening clasp.
£6,000 - 8,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11912-204570.
CHINESE TERRACOTTA HORSE STANDING WITH HEAD DOWN TANG DYNASTY, 618-907 A.D. 24 in. (13.35 kg, 61 cm wide).
With extended neck and head bent forward, mouth open to chew the grass, ears pinned back; saddle and saddle-rug modelled integrally; tail cropped and bound; salmon-pink pigment to the saddle.
£2,500 - 3,500
PROVENANCE:
Ex West Country collection, Bath, 1990s.
Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.CJ182522022 from Laboratory Kotalla. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11913-207699.
LARGE CHINESE TERRACOTTA HORSE FIGURINE TANG DYNASTY, 618-907 A.D. 25½ in. (10.4 kg, 64.5 cm).
On a rectangular base, modelled standing with head erect and slightly turned. with integral saddlecloth and saddle; remains of coral pink, black and ochre detailing.
£2,500 - 3,500
PROVENANCE:
Ex West Country collection, Bath, 1990s.
Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.CJ172522022 from Laboratory Kotalla. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11914-207698.
CHINESE BRONZE SEATED BUDDHA 19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D. 23⅝ in. (16.8 kg, 60 cm high).
Hollow-formed, crowned and wearing a flounced robe in the lotus posture, hands held in the mudra for reassurance.
£2,250 - 3,250
PROVENANCE:
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. with Ogotai (?) Auctions, Paris, France, 15 August 2016.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11915-203920.
376 CHINESE TABLE WITH GOLDEN BRICK BY YUAN HONGDE 18TH CENTURY A.D.
28¼ x 28¼ x 14½ in. (104.3 kg total, 72 x 72 x 37 cm).
Worn smooth on the upper face; the substantial rectangular 'brick' stamped to the side edges: ' da yi jia, Yuan Hongde zao (size of the brick, made by Yuan Hongde) (under the supervisor Kui Yuan of Jiangnang, Suzhou) (18th year of Qianlong (1754), square gold brick)'; accompanied by a low wooden table frame. £2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
with the owner's family since the early 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11916-204597.
FOOTNOTES:
Also known as jinzhuan, Golden Bricks are produced from a finite iron-rich soil, crafted by a team of people over a period of 2-3 years, using a process involving 29 distinct procedures. The bricks produce a metallic sound when induced to do so and have an internal structure which is so fine that the pores of the clay can hardly be seen. Historically, golden bricks were reserved for the use of emperors and the construction of their palaces, first appearing during the reign of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), produced in Suzhou under imperial order to be used for paving the floors of the imperial palaces, monasteries and mausoleums in Beijing; they are witnesses to history and embody the wisdom of the ancients.
377
ANCIENT INDIAN BRONZE HORSE AND RIDER FIGURE ‡
4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
2 in. (92 grams, 52 mm).
Formed in the round standing on an oblong base; stylised detailing to the anatomy and trappings of both figures.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
Acquired in Europe before 1992.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11813-206792.
378
SOUTH INDIAN BRONZE TRIBAL FIGURES
18TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
10⅝ - 10⅞ in. (1.55 kg total, 27-27.5 cm high including stand).
A male and female pair modelled standing facing, wearing jewelstudded arm bangles, earrings, pendants and skin-tight trousers, the man holding a sword and small round shield, the woman breastfeeding an infant; each mounted on a custom-made display base. [2]
£700 - 900
PROVENANCE: Acquired in the 1960s. Ex Italian collection. Ex London gallery stock.
379
WESTERN TIBETAN FRESCO OF HAYAGRIVA CIRCA 14TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
15 x 13 in. (3.55 kg total, 38 x 33 cm).
Painted on stone in vibrant polychrome; on a wooden display base. £3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE: Ex London gallery stock.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11917-206181.
380
INDUS VALLEY PAINTED POTTERY BOWL ‡ 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
3⅜ in. (77 grams, 86 mm).
Drum-shaped with gently carinated base and narrow foot, the outer body displaying polychrome painted panels with 'stairway' design.
£1,000 - 1,400
PROVENANCE: Acquired in 2003. Private collection, Europe.
CANIS LUPUS ICE AGE WOLF'S SKULL PLEISTOCENE PERIOD, CIRCA 60,000-40,000 B.P.
9⅝ in. (2.18 kg total, 24.5 cm high including stand).
Partially fossilized and near complete, retaining many of the animal's teeth; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman.
381
CANIS TEILHARDI WOLF'S SKULL LATE PLIOCENE-EARLY PLEISTOCENE PERIOD, CIRCA 5.3 MILLION60,000 YEARS B.P.
10⅞ in. (1.73 kg total, 27.5 cm high including stand).
A near complete example retaining many of the animal's teeth; accompanied by a custom-made display stand.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a London gentleman.
382
383
MOSASAUR 'MARINE DINOSAUR' SKULL CRETACEOUS PERIOD, 145-65 MILLION YEARS B.P.
37 1/2 in. (30 in.) (26.45 kg total, 95 cm wide (76 cm high including stand)).
A magnificent, full three-dimensional fossil skull of Mosasaur Prognathodon with upper and lower mandibles, eye sockets and brain cavity; including jaw teeth and throat teeth; some restoration; with custom-made display stand.
£8,000 - 10,000
PROVENANCE:
Previously in a French collection. From a Lincolnshire, UK, collection. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.
384
LARGE BRITISH ASTEROCERAS FOSSIL AMMONITE JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 202-201 MILLION YEARS B.P. 8⅝ in. (3.5 kg, 22 cm wide).
An Asteroceras sp. polished fossil ammonite displayed in a freestanding matrix; from the Frodingham Ironstone Member.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From the exhausted Coningsby Quarry, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK.
385
LARGE BRITISH EPARIETITES FOSSIL AMMONITE JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 202-201 MILLION YEARS B.P. 10¼ in. (6 kg, 26 cm wide).
Displaying an example of Eparietites sp. with sutures in a freestanding matrix; from the Frodingham Ironstone Member.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From the exhausted Coningsby Quarry, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK.
BRITISH FOSSIL ASPIDOCERAS AMMONITE DISPLAY WITH INCREDIBLE SPINES
JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 200 MILLION YEARS B.P. 10½ in. (5.5 kg, 27 cm).
Comprising an excessively large and rare specimen of Aspidoceras Logispinum, displaying superb lateral spines or tubercles; developed from the grey lias matrix.
£3,000 - 4,000
PROVENANCE:
From North Yorkshire, UK.
LITERATURE:
See Sepkoski, Jack, A Compendium of Fossil Marine Animal Genera, Bulletins of American Paleontology 363, 2002, pp.1-560, for discussion.
387
BRITISH ASTEROCERAS FOSSIL AMMONITE
JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 202-201 MILLION YEARS B.P. 7 in. (2 kg, 18 cm).
Displayed in a free-standing matrix; from the Frodingham Ironstone Member.
£1,200 - 1,700
PROVENANCE:
From the exhausted Coningsby Quarry, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK.
386
388
FOSSILISED POPLAR LEAF
CIRCA 50 MILLION YEARS B.P.
13¾ in. (1.5 kg total, 35 cm high including stand).
On a rectangular limestone matrix, the poplar leaf with good detailing and showing clear midrib and veins; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the Green River Formation, Parachute Creek, Bonanza, Utah, USA.
389
LARGE BRITISH KOSMOCERAS FOSSIL AMMONITES DISPLAY PANEL
JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 165-160 MILLION YEARS B.P. 15 in. (8.45 kg total, 38 cm including stand).
Comprising a large seabed matrix panel showing many fossil superimposed specimens of Kosmoceras sp. ammonites in situ; with custom-made stand for display.
£600 - 800
PROVENANCE:
From Wiltshire, UK.
390
FOOTPRINT OF A THEROPOD DINOSAUR
LOWER JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 200 MILLION YEARS B.P. 13⅜ in. (2.79 kg, 34 cm).
Komlosaurus carbonis on an irregular matrix with information ticket. £500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the Mecsek Coal Formation, Middle Hettangian to Early Sinemurian, Lower Lias, Lower Jurassic, Komlo, Mecsek Mountains. Baranya, Hungary. From the private collection of Mr J S, Northamptonshire, UK. Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.
391
MASSIVE PYRITES CRYSTAL MINERAL DISPLAY 8 in. (15.3 kg, 20.5 cm).
Formed as a very large crystalline form of iron pyrites (fool's gold) with large main pyritohedral crystals rising from a complex base of smaller intersecting crystals.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE: From Peru.
392
COMPLETE ICE AGE JUVENILE MAMMOTH TUSK PLEISTOCENE PERIOD, 2.6 MILLION-11,700 YEARS B.P. 21½ in. (2.29 kg total, 54 cm wide including stand).
A right-side 'fossil' tusk of the extinct Mammuthus Primigenius; ivory yellow-brown in colour and finely preserved with the typically marked curvature of this species; with custom-made display stand.
£2,000 - 3,000
PROVENANCE:
From the Siberian Tundra.
From the private collection of Mr J S, Northamptonshire, UK.
Property of a Cambridgeshire gentleman.
LITERATURE:
See Lister & Bahn, Mammoths, for general information.
FOOTNOTES:
Mammoths were animals of the Ice Age; they co-existed with and were hunted by early man; Siberia is famed for discoveries of frozen mammoth carcasses (see 'Dima' and 'Lyuba' for examples) and for the hut circles where mammoth bones and tusks were used as building materials; tusks have been traded for at least 2,000 years and in modern times, Siberian natives still hunt for them and use the fossil ivory as raw material.
393
FOSSIL KEICHOUSAURUS MARINE REPTILE SKELETON TRIASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 250 MILLION YEARS B.P. 11½ in. (1.48 kg, 29 cm).
The Keichousaurus hui skeleton on a rectangular matrix. £800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
From Xingyi, Guizhou, China. Acquired 1950s-1960s. From an old Bristol, UK, palaeontological collection.
FOOTNOTES: Keichousaurus was a late Triassic marine reptile, and a member of the Pleurosaur family. They went extinct 250 million years ago during the TriassicJurassic extinction event. They were specialised fish eaters, and were highly unusual amongst marine reptiles in that they gave birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
394
FOSSIL KEICHOUSAURUS MARINE REPTILE SKELETON TRIASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 250 MILLION YEARS B.P. 13⅜ in. (3.95 kg, 34 cm).
Complete Keichousaurus hui skeleton on a rectangular matrix. £800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
From Xingyi, Guizhou, China. Acquired 1950s-1960s. From an old Bristol, UK, palaeontological collection.
395
VERY LARGE BRITISH CARDINIA FOSSIL BIVALVE MULTI DISPLAY JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 201-202 MILLION YEARS B.P.
19¾ in. (17.7 kg total, 50 cm).
A plate of natural, unpolished Cardinia sp. fossil bivalves from the Frodingham formation; accompanied by a display stand.
£800 - 1,000
PROVENANCE:
From the exhausted Coningsby Quarry, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK.
396
EXCEPTIONAL BRITISH PHYLLOCERAS FOSSIL AMMONITE
Lower Jurassic, Toarcian Stage, circa 200-190 million years B.P. 8 in. (5.5 kg, 20 cm).
Phylloceras heterophyllum displayed in a freestanding matrix, displaying sutures.
£1,500 - 2,000
PROVENANCE:
From the Holderness Coast, Yorkshire, UK.
397
LARGE FOSSIL MEGALODON GIANT SHARK'S TOOTH
LOWER PALAEOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 400,000 B.P. 5⅜ in. (423 grams, 13.5 cm).
From Carcharocles megalodon, an extinct genus of world's largest shark, displaying some good enamel and sharp serrated edges.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
Found by scuba divers, May River, South Carolina, USA.
FOOTNOTES:
Carcharodon megalodon is regarded as one of the largest and most powerful marine predators in vertebrate history and likely had a profound impact on structuring of the marine communities. Fossil remains indicate that this giant shark reached a length of more than 16 metres (52 ft) and also affirm that it had a cosmopolitan distribution. Scientists suggest that in life it looked like a stockier version of the great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias
398
BRITISH FOSSIL EXTINCT CROCODILE BONES
JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 200-180 MILLION YEARS B.P. 8⅝ in. (2 kg, 22 cm).
Displaying the partial remains of the brain cavity and jaw in a matrix.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From North Yorkshire, UK.
399
BRITISH ASTEROCERAS FOSSIL AMMONITE DISPLAY
JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 202-201 MILLION YEARS B.P. 11⅜ in. (4.6 kg, 29 cm).
Presenting a cluster of natural, unpolished Asteroceras sp. fossil ammonites in a matrix; from the Frodingham Ironstone Member.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the exhausted Coningsby Quarry, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK.
400
BRITISH ASTEROCERUS FOSSIL AMMONITE AND BIVALVE DISPLAY
JURASSIC PERIOD, CIRCA 202-201 MILLION YEARS B.P. 10⅝ in. (2.6 kg, 27 cm).
Showing a polished Asterocerus ps. fossil ammonite and a Cardinia sp. bivalve in a free-standing matrix; from the Frodingham formation.
£500 - 700
PROVENANCE:
From the exhausted Coningsby Quarry, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, UK.
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Buyer’s Premium – the percentage of the Hammer Price payable by the Buyer to TimeLine in accordance with clause 19.
CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Data Protection Legislation –all applicable data protection and privacy legislation in force from time to time in the UK including the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (83) (GDPR); the Data Protection Act 2018; the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive 2002/58/EC (as updated by Directive 2009/136/EC) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2426) as amended, and any and all applicable national data protection laws made under or pursuant to the GDPR, as may be amended or superseded from time to time.
Date of Sale – the date on which the Auctioneer Knocks Down the Lot.
Group – any Lot comprising more than one item.
Hammer Price – the amount of the winning bid when Knocked Down by the Auctioneer to a Bidder.
Knock(ed/ing) Down – the act of the Auctioneer in bringing the Hammer down to complete the contract for the sale of the Lot to the Bidder submitting the highest bid. Lot – the goods for sale.
Purchase Price – the total sum due for any Lot, including the Hammer Price, the Buyer’s Premium, any internet bidding fees, any shipping charges, taxes, duties or any other costs payable to TimeLine.
Registered Bidder –a Bidder who has registered with TimeLine for the purpose of taking part in any Auction. Reserve Price –the minimum Hammer Price at which a Lot may be Knocked Down. Seller – the person offering the Lot for sale. Title – legal rights of ownership of the Lot.
2.Application: the singular includes the plural and vice versa and any reference to ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘it’ applies to all of them.
3.Basis of Contract:
a.These Terms and Conditions apply to the exclusion of any other terms that the Bidder/Buyer seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing.
b.Each Buyer is required to carefully read the Terms and Conditions before offering a bid. When a Buyer makes a bid he/she acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accepted these terms.
c.TimeLine does not act for or give advice to Bidders/Buyers.
4.Dimensions, weights and colour: all dimensions and weights (including ring sizes) are approximate and are for general guidance only; a single dimension given is normally the greatest dimension for the
piece(s). Although TimeLine have made every effort to precisely display the colours and condition of a Lot, TimeLine does not guarantee that a device displays them accurately. The Lot may vary slightly from those images.
5.Condition: A condition statement for lots is not given in the catalogue, printed or on-line. This does not infer that any lot is free from faults and prospective bidders must satisfy themselves entirely as to the fullcondition of each piece before placing bids. Condition Reports may be requested for any lot but are given only for general guidance and are inevitably subjective in character. Requests for Condition Reports should be made as early as possible; requests received at a late time may not be available before the lot is offered.
Bidders are encouraged to carefully examine in person any Lot(s) for which they intend or do Bid for. It is not possible to note all marks or defects and neither TimeLine or the Auctioneer make any guarantee as to the physical quality or condition of any Lot(s).
6.Dating: dates may be given in several forms, as examples below:
527 AD - an item that bears a date upon it or that can otherwise be dated with precision;
6th century AD - an item that can be dated with considerable confidence to a specific period;
Circa 6th century AD - an item that can be approximately dated by comparison with other pieces; Probably 6th century AD - an item that is likely to be of this period in the light of similar pieces; Possibly 6th century AD - an item that might be of this period by comparison with items of a broadly similar character; and Undated - no date is known or suggested for the piece.
6th Century AD or later – an item is dated to a specific period but may also be a revival of style of a later date.
7.Attributions: works of art attributions may be given in several forms, as examples below:
Signed – a work bearing the signature of the named artist; Attributed to – a work of the period of the artist which may be in whole or in part the work of the artist named; Circle of – a work of the period of the artist and showing his influence; Follower of – a contemporary or nearly so work executed in the style of the artist; Manner of – a work executed in the style of the artist but of a later date; and After – a copy of any date of a work of the artist.
8.Other Descriptive Matters: some other words or phrases are used descriptively, as examples below: Style - an item made in the style of an earlier age but thought to be probably of later date.
Archaistic - an item made in the style of a much earlier age; Grand Tour - an item usually of some age but in the style of an earlier age; After the Antique - an item made as a reproduction, usually of quite modern date; and Faux - used descriptively when the material used is probably imitative in character.
9.Lots including Archaeological or Cultural Property: a UK export licence from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, is required for Lots originating from UK soil or territory leaving the UK and for such Lots of non-UK origin when leaving the EU. TimeLine will make applications for the necessary Cultural Property Export Licence as a ‘free of charge’ service to Buyers, where the Export Licence is legally required. If a Buyer requests for TimeLine to apply for an Export Licence where this is not legally required, an additional fee of £24 (VAT inclusive) will be invoiced to the Buyer. Buyers are advised to check concerning any Regulations applicable in
their country of residence regarding importation and to enquire prior to bidding. The deferment of any Export Licence shall not be reason to cancel any bid nor to delay payment.
10.Lots including materials from Endangered Species: Buyers are responsible for obtaining a CITES licence when required for the export from the UK of any item(s) made of or containing materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell, rhinoceros horn, whalebone, etc.
11.Import Licences: Buyers are responsible for checking and ensuring compliance with any regulations applicable in their country of residence regarding importation.
12.Copyright: all cataloguing text, images and other material published by TimeLine whether physically or electronically is the property of TimeLine and may not be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or otherwise transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of TimeLine.
13.General Conduct of Auction: TimeLine shall have absolute discretion as to lots offered for sale, lots withdrawn and the conduct of any Auction. TimeLine shall have absolute discretion to refuse entry, decline bids and expel any person from the Auction whether present in person or by agent or proxy or attending by way of any electronic media or telecommunications.
14.Viewing: all Lots are available to view. All prospective Bidders are advised to view any Lot(s) prior to bidding and the Bidder must form their own opinion before bidding. Public viewing arrangements will be advised in advance of the Date of Sale and private viewing can be arranged at the TimeLine premises by appointment.
15.Lot Descriptions: all Lots are offered ‘as seen’ and ‘as is’ and are available for inspection. The Buyer is obligated to make all and any enquiries he wishes as to the accuracy and authenticity of any sale description (including Condition, Dating and Attributions, as set out in clauses 57).The principle of caveat emptor applies except where expressly excluded by operation of law. While materials (such as catalogues) are vetted by an external committee of experts, TimeLine do not make or give any guarantee, warranty or representation or undertake any duty of care in relation to the description, illustrations or photographs of any Lot, including condition, quality, provenance, authenticity, background, style, period, age, origin, value and estimated selling price. TimeLine undertakes no obligation to examine, investigate or carry out any tests either in sufficient depth or at all to establish the accuracy or otherwise of any description or opinions given by TimeLine whether in the catalogue or elsewhere. Lots comprising Groups are sold strictly subject to them not being returnable for any reason whatsoever; the provisions set out under clause 43 are specifically excluded in respect of such Lots. For coins that have been authenticated, graded and encapsulated ('slabbed') by an independent grading company, no guarantee of any kind is offered by TimeLine. Buyers should note that removal or attempted removal from any slab will immediately void any independent guarantee that might have been offered by that grading company.
16.Condition Reports: All Lots are available for inspection. TimeLine will provide a report on the physical condition of any Lot on request. Bidders should note that reports are provided as a free service to interested Bidders. Descriptions therein are not warranties and all Lots are offered ‘as seen’ and ‘as is’.
17.Estimates: estimates are for general guidance only and Lots may sell outside
their indicated range(s). Bidders must make their own assessment as to the value of any Lot and conduct their bidding accordingly.
18.Reserves: Lots may be subject to a Reserve Price set by the Seller, at a level not exceeding the low estimate, below which bids cannot be accepted; TimeLine reserves the right to bid on behalf of a Seller, up to the amount of any Reserve Price.
19.Buyer’s Premium: the Buyer’s Premium is 30% of the Hammer Price [inclusive of VAT] for all successful Bidders. Use of the TimeLine Auctions online inhouse bidding service is free of additional charge. For those using any other internet bidding platforms, the provider’s normal charges at up to 6% (inclusive of VAT) will be payable by the Buyer in addition to the Buyer’s Premium.
20.Registration and Bidding: all prospective Bidders must register their personal details with TimeLine before bidding and a Bidder Number will be allocated for their use in relation to a specific sale; prospective Bidders will be asked to provide proof of identity and address. TimeLine reserves its right to refuse any Bidder or any Bid at its discretion. A deposit in accordance with clause 27 may be required before accepting any Bid(s). The Bidder Number must be shown by Bidders to the Auctioneer when placing a bid and by the successful Bidder when the Lot is Knocked Down. The auctioneer shall conduct the Auction at his sole discretion for all matters, accept Bids from any source and may exercise bids on behalf of absent Bidders or on behalf of Sellers up to any Reserve Price. Bidding shall be in pounds sterling only and generally in accordance with the increments set out below:
a. £0 to £99 – in increments of £5
b.
£100 to £199 – in increments of £10
c. £200 to £499 – in increments of £20
d. £500 to £999 – in increments of £50
e.
£1000 to £1999 – in increments of £100
f.
£2000 to £4,999 – in increments of £200
g. £5000 to £9,999 – in increments of £500
h.
£10000 to £19,999 – in increments of £1,000
i.
£20000 to £49,999 – in increments of £2,000
j.
£50000 to £99,999 – in increments of £5,000
k.
£100,000 to £249,999 – in increments of £10,000
l.
£250,000 and up – in minimum increments of £20,000
21.Absentee Bidding/Auto Bidding: Registered Bidders may leave absentee/auto Bids in advance of a live Auction directly through the TimeLine website or in writing by mail, email, fax or other delivery means and will be automatically exercised at the Reserve Price or at one bid increment above any competing Bid up to the submitted maximum Bid amount.
22.Commission Bidding: while Bidders are advised to attend the Auction and to bid in person, TimeLine will accept written instructions in advance of a live Auction from a Registered Bidder to personally execute bids on behalf of the Bidder up to a stated maximum. Unlimited bids or bids to ‘buy’ will not be accepted. In the event of identical bids being received from more than one Bidder, the earliest received will have priority. TimeLine offers this as a free service for live Auctions but] no liability is
accepted for any errors in bidding or in the event that a Bid is not placed. A deposit may be required In accordance with clause 27.
23.Internet Bidding: live, real-time bidding is available to Bidders through the TimeLine website for all live Auctions. Bidders intending to use any other internet bidding service must Register in advance with that service and the provider’s normal charges at up to 6% (VAT inclusive) will be payable in addition to the Buyer’s Premium. It is entirely the responsibility of the Bidder using any bidding service to ensure that Bids are made accurately; Bids cannot be retracted once made and are binding on the Bidder in all circumstances. TimeLine are not responsible for any technical or other failure which results in Bids not being received.
24.Telephone Bidding: facilities for telephone bidding are available at live Auctions at the discretion of TimeLine for Bidders on Lots with a low estimate in excess of £250 and must be booked and confirmed in advance. It is a condition for acceptance by TimeLine of any telephone bidding request that the Bidder undertakes to execute a minimum Bid at the low estimate sum. TimeLine offers telephone bidding as a free service but no liability is accepted for any errors or in the event that a connection cannot be made or is interrupted before the Lot is Knocked Down.
25.Agents: all Bidders making Bids through any means shall be deemed to be acting as principal in their bidding and shall be directly and fully liable for all Bid amounts, Buyer’s Premium and any other charges or costs. If any prospective Bidder wishes to appoint a person to bid on their behalf, then this must be agreed and authorised in writing by TimeLine in advance of the Auction. A deposit may be required in accordance with clause 27.
26.Value Added Tax: VAT is charged on an inclusive basis, under the Auctioneer’s Margin Scheme on all Buyer's Premiums and other charges and is not claimable as Input VAT. For some items, such as investment gold, modern jewellery and gemstones, where marked with a ‘dagger’ (†) symbol, VAT on the Hammer Price will be payable in addition. Where import duties are payable, these lots are marked with symbols ‡ or Ω and are payable by all buyers at the corresponding rates; for overseas buyers, a refund of import duty will be payable or credited, provided that the item(s) have left the UK within 30 days of date of payment.
27.Deposits: Timeline reserves the right to request a deposit in certain circumstances. The amount of the deposit will be set by Timeline. If a Bid is not placed the deposit will be paid back within a reasonable timeframe after the close of the auction. In case of a successful bid, the deposit will be reduced from the Purchase Price payable by the Buyer.
28.Payment: the Purchase Price becomes due and payable when the Lot is Knocked Down by the Auctioneer. Requests and Statements detailing the purchase information will be sent out by email or post; Bidders may be telephoned or otherwise contacted when payment is not received promptly or where there are queries in any respect.
a.The full Purchase Price must be paid in Pounds Sterling and can be made by bank transfer (for transfers from outside the UK, subject to payment of an additional £10 overseas bank transaction fee), by cash up to the value of £7,000, by cheque from a UK bank (subject to clearance) or by bank debit card or credit card (up to a maximum of £500). It is the responsibility of the Buyer to ensure that TimeLine receives the correct amount payable. b. Unless agreed by TimeLine in writing in advance of the Auction, the Buyer must pay the Purchase Price in full in cleared
funds to TimeLine by no later than 4.30pm on the third working day following the Date of Sale. In case of delayed payment, clause 32 applies.
29.Title, Risk and Insurance: Title to any Lot is retained by the Seller until the Purchase Price and all other sums payable by the Buyer have been paid in full in cleared funds to TimeLine; at this point, Title will transfer from the Seller to the Buyer. Risk for the Lot passes to the Buyer at the time the Lot is Knocked Down to the Bidder. TimeLine does not hold property insured after the Lot has been Knocked Down.
30.Collection of Lots and Storage: Once the Buyer has paid the Purchase Price in full, TimeLine will release the Lot to the Buyer for collection. The Buyer must collect, or arrange the collection of, all purchases from the location advised by TimeLine by 4.30pm on the seventh working day following the Date of Sale.
TimeLine may provide the Buyer with a quotation and contact details for the services of Mail Boxes Etc on TimeLine documentation (any storage/shipping contract is between the Buyer and Mail Boxes Etc). The Buyer may arrange a service of their choice for collection, packing and shipping services. Lots not collected by the seventh working day following the Date of Sale will be moved to storage at a transfer cost of £20 plus VAT per Lot and storage charges will thereafter be applied at the rate of £1.90 plus VAT per Lot per day until collected; no Lots may be removed/released to the Buyer until all storage and transfer costs have been paid in full. In the event that the accrual of storage charges reaches 50% of the Hammer Price paid or after the expiration of three months from the transfer date, whichever occurs first, Timeline reserve the right to re-sell any and all Lots stored without notice and in any manner at their sole discretion and to apply any proceeds in defrayment of such costs. The Buyer will be entitled to receive any credit balance above the amount of the costs on request but will remain liable for any deficit.
31.Delivery by TimeLine: at the absolute discretion of TimeLine, TimeLine may, on request, directly arrange delivery of certain Lots to the address registered to the Buyer, on payment by the Buyer to TimeLine of any advised handling and delivery charge.
32.Remedies for Buyer’s Failure to Make Payment and/or Remove Lots: if the Purchase Price and/or all sums payable are not paid in full when they fall due and/or the Lot is not removed in accordance with these terms, TimeLine may without further notice to the Buyer be entitled to exercise one or more of the following rights:
a.To terminate the agreement immediately for breach of contract;
b.To retain possession of the Lot;
c.To remove and/or store the Lot at the Buyer’s expense, as detailed at clause 30at a cost to the Buyer of £20 + VAT for the transfer per Lot plus a daily cost of £1.90 plus VAT per Lot for the storage;
d.To take legal proceedings against the Buyer for payment of any sums due to TimeLine by the Buyer;
e.To be paid interest on any monies due to TimeLine at the annual rate of 8% per annum from time to time to be calculated on a daily basis from the date upon which such monies became payable until the date of actual payment;
f.To sell the Lot without a Reserve Price at Auction or by any other means and apply any proceeds against the amount owing by the Buyer to TimeLine;
g.To apply any monies received from the Buyer in payment or part payment of any sums due from the Buyer to TimeLine under these terms;
h.To refuse to allow the Buyer to register for a future Auction or to reject a bid from the Buyer at a future Auction.
33.Limitation of Liability: The Auctioneer has obtained insurance cover in respect of
its own legal liability for individual claims. The limits and exclusions in this clause reflect the insurance cover the Auctioneer has been able to arrange and the Buyer is responsible for making his own arrangements for the insurance of any excess loss.
Timeline will under no circumstances be liable to the Buyer, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the contract for:
a.any loss of profits, sales, business or revenue
b.loss of business opportunity
c.an indirect or consequential loss. Our total liability to you for all losses arising under or in connection to the contract, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, will in no circumstances exceed £500.
Nothing in the Contract limits any liability which cannot legally be limited, including but not limited to liability for:
a.death or personal injury caused by negligence;
b. fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; and
c. breach of the terms implied by section 12 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1979 (title and quiet possession).
This clause 33 shall survive termination of the Contract.
34.Buyer’s Indemnity: the Buyer agrees to indemnify TimeLine on a full indemnity basis against all legal and other costs, all losses and expenses incurred as a result of TimeLine taking steps under clause 33.
35.Use of your personal information: TimeLine will only use the Seller’s personal information as set out in their privacy policy. TimeLine may amend this policy from time to time. Where Timeline processes any personal data, it will comply with the requirements and obligations under the Data Protection Legislation.
36.Anti-Money Laundering: TimeLine’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy sets out TimeLine’s policy for ensuring compliance anti-money laundering legislation that applies to some of TimeLine’s activities. TimeLine may amend this policy from time to time.
37.Sale of Goods Act: The terms implied by sections 13 to 15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded.
38.Severance: If any provision or partprovision of these terms and conditions is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of the terms and conditions.
39.Amendments: TimeLine may amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Please check our website for our latest terms and conditions.
40.No waiver: No failure or delay by TimeLine to exercise any right or remedy provided under the these Terms and Conditions or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
41.Third-Party rights: These Terms & Conditions are between Timeline and a Seller. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of these terms.
42.Governing Law: these terms and conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation (including noncontractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of England and Wales.
43.Jurisdiction: the Bidder irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these terms and conditions or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims). At the sole discretion of TimeLine, the auctioneer may instigate any proceedings within the jurisdiction of the bidder's country of residence.
44.Disputes: in the event that the Buyer has any dispute in relation to any Lot, not being a Lot described as a Group, Collection or other term indicating that the lot comprises more than one object, (such lots being sold cannot be returned in accordance with clause 15), which has been sold, that dispute must be notified to TimeLine in writing within 14 days following the Date of the Sale in order that TimeLine can hold the proceeds pending resolution of the dispute.
In the event of deliberate forgery being claimed for any Lot, the Buyer shall submit two opinions in writing from recognised experts for consideration; the inability of different experts to agree shall not be sufficient grounds. No liability is accepted by TimeLine for any costs/losses of the Buyer, including but not limited to fees, shipping, loss of profit, consequential costs or any other matters beyond the Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium. In all cases, any item must be returned to TimeLine, strictly in the condition it was in at the date of the sale being held; Buyers are advised that any form of destructive examination or testing undertaken will result in claims being rejected; claims resulting from results of tests under a scientific process not generally accepted for use at the Date of the Sale or which were unreasonably expensive in relation to the estimates for the lot or impractical or likely to have caused damage to the Lot at the Date of the Sale will not be allowed.
TimeLine will have no liability to the Buyer after a period of 14 days as then TimeLine will release monies and make payments to Sellers.
45. Import restrictions: Auction lots (or individual item/s within any given lot) of either Persian or Iranian origin are subject to United States trade restrictions which currently prohibit their import into the US, without exception. Buyers should be aware that similar (or other) restrictions may apply to other categories of items offered for sale. It is the sole responsibility of the buyer to satisfy themselves that any lot/s purchased at auction can be legally imported into the desired shipping destination prior to bidding.
Seller’s Terms and Conditions
1.Interpretations and Definitions: the following terms generally apply within these Terms and Conditions; other terms are defined within specific sections following: Auctioneer – the firm TimeLine Auctions Ltd (“TimeLine” hereafter) or its authorised auctioneer, acting as Agent for the Seller. TimeLine is a company registered in England and Wales (company no: 06873501) with registered office at 40 Kilmarnock Drive, Luton, LU2 7YP, UK. The website and telephone number are https://timelineauctions.com and +44 (0) 1277 815121. Agent – a person or body acting on behalf of another.
ALR – Art Loss Register - All lots with an upper Estimate value of £1,000 and above and all ancient Western Asiatic lots are searched against the Art Loss Register database.
Auction – a sale event whether taking place live in real-time or of extended duration (Timed Auction).
Bid – a sum offered by a Bidder to purchase the Lot.
Bidder – the person offering a Bid. Buyer – the person who the Lot is Knocked Down to.
Date of Sale – the date on which the Auctioneer Knocks Down the Lot.
Data Protection Legislation –all applicable data protection and privacy legislation in force from time to time in the UK including the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (83) (GDPR); the Data Protection Act 2018; the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive 2002/58/EC (as updated by Directive 2009/136/EC) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2426) as amended, and any and all applicable national data protection laws made under or pursuant to the GDPR, as may be amended or superseded from time to time.
Estimate – the estimate for any Lots as set out in the Property Receipt.
Group – any Lot comprising more than one item.
Hammer Price – the amount of the winning bid when Knocked Down by the Auctioneer to a Bidder.
Knock(ed/ing) Down – the act of the Auctioneer in bringing the Hammer down to complete the contract for the sale of the Lot to the Bidder submitting the highest bid. Lot – the goods for sale.
Net Proceeds-the Hammer Price less the Selling Commission and any charges or expenses levied at Timeline’s discretion in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
Purchase Price – the total sum due for any Lot, including the Hammer Price, the Buyer’s Premium, any internet bidding fees, any shipping charges, taxes, duties or any other costs payable to TimeLine.
Reserve Price – the minimum Hammer Price at which a Lot may be Knocked Down Seller – the person offering the Lot for sale. Selling Commission – the sum due to TimeLine from the Seller in accordance with clause 10.
Timed Sale –in relation to an unsold Lot, a 28 day timeframe to allow a sale post Auction in accordance with clause 15.
Title – legal rights of ownership of the Lot. Unsold Fee – 6% (VAT inclusive) of the Reserve Price.
Withdrawal Fee – the fee payable to TimeLine in the event the Seller withdraws a Lot in accordance with clause 14, which shall be 6% (VAT inclusive) of the low Estimate or Reserve Price, whichever is higher.
2.Application: the singular includes the plural and vice versa and any reference to ‘he’, ‘she’ or ‘it’ applies to all of them.
3.Basis of Contract:
a.These terms and conditions apply to the exclusion of any other terms that the Seller seeks to impose or incorporate, or which are implied by trade, custom, practice or course of dealing.
b.Each Seller is required to read the terms and conditions attached to the Property Acceptance/Receipt and acknowledges that he/she has read, accepted and acknowledged the terms of such attachment, in advance of signing the same.
c.As auctioneer, TimeLine acts solely for, and in the interest of, the Seller.
4.Copyright: all cataloguing text, images and other material published by TimeLine (including in relation to any Lot) whether physically or electronically is the property of TimeLine and may not be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or otherwise transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of TimeLine. Timeline does not guarantee that a device accurately displays the colours and condition of a Lot.
5.Rights to Photographs, Illustrations and Documents: the Seller grants to Timeline full and absolute right to photograph or illustrate any Lot and to use such photographs or illustrations, and any photographs, illustrations or documents provided by the Seller, at any time and at TimeLine’s absolute discretion (whether or not in connection with any Auction).
6.Title, Risk and Insurance: Title to any Lot is retained by the Seller until the Purchase Price and all other sums payable by the Buyer have been paid in full in cleared funds to TimeLine; at this point, Title will transfer from the Seller to the Buyer. Risk for the Lot passes to the Buyer at the time the Lot is Knocked Down to the Bidder. TimeLine does not hold any Lot insured after the Lot has been Knocked Down.
7.Seller’s Representations and Warranties: in submitting any Lot for sale, the Seller warrants and represents to TimeLine the matters set out in the Property Acceptance/Receipt and Seller’s statement of provenance. The Seller will be asked to provide proof of identity and address.
8.Limitation of Liability: The Auctioneer has obtained insurance cover in respect of its own legal liability for individual claims. The limits and exclusions in this clause reflect the insurance cover the Auctioneer has been able to arrange and the Seller is responsible for making his own arrangements for the insurance of any excess loss.
Timeline will under no circumstances be liable to the Seller, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Contract for:
a.any loss of profits, sales, business or revenue;
b.loss of business opportunity; and
c.an indirect or consequential loss.
TimeLine’s total liability to the Seller for all losses arising under or in connection to the Contract, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, will in no circumstances exceed £500.
Nothing in these terms and conditions limits any liability which cannot legally be limited, including but not limited to liability for:
a.death or personal injury caused by negligence;
b. fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; and
c. breach of the terms implied by section 12 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1979 (title and quiet possession).
This clause 8 shall survive termination of the Contract.
9.Seller’s Indemnity: the Seller shall indemnify and hold TimeLine harmless from all claims and all direct, indirect or consequential losses (including loss of profits, loss of business, depletion of goodwill and similar losses), costs, proceedings, damages and expenses (including legal and other professional fees and expenses) awarded against or incurred or paid by TimeLine as a result or in connection with:
a.any breach of the warranties referred to in clause 7;
b.any claim made against TimeLine concerning the authenticity of any Lot;
c.any alleged or actual infringement, whether or not under English law, of any third party’s Intellectual Property Rights or other rights arising out of the Auction or sale of the Lot.
10.Selling Commission: The standard rate of selling commission payable to TimeLine shall be 18% of the Hammer Price (VAT inclusive).
11.Additional Charges: TimeLine may levy additional charges regarding:
a.Collection of goods from Seller’s premises, storage of goods submitted for sale by a Seller and storage of Lots unsold in accordance with clause 15;
b.Further charges at the discretion of TimeLine on advance warning to the Seller for any unusual research, special or additional imaging, testing, consultation with external specialists, conservation, cleaning or other services concerned with presenting the Lot, including VAT or other taxes or duties as applicable.
c.All items submitted for sale in the 'Western Asiatic' category (other than items designated as 'style') and all lots over £1000 will incur an administration charge of £6.00 (VAT inclusive) per item for additional checking, including searches against the ALR.
12.Lots: all goods submitted to TimeLine will be lotted, catalogued and offered by live auction sale, limited timed auction sale, 'buy it now' direct sale or other method at the sole discretion of TimeLine; antiquities, antiques and collectables Lots with a low Estimate of £200 or less and coin Lots with a low Estimate of £100 or less will not normally be illustrated in any printed catalogue and printed text entries may be minimised (images and full text will always be shown on the TimeLine website); Estimates are provided for information only and Hammer Prices may differ from the estimated range.
13.Reserve Price: The Seller may set a Reserve Price on any Lot where the low Estimate exceeds £120 subject to agreeing that an Unsold Fee will become payable to Timeline for any such Reserved Lot which fails to sell; in addition the Seller agrees that the auctioneer may accept a bid received at one bid increment or 10% of the Reserve Price (whichever is higher) below the Reserve Price sum if necessary to sell the Lot.
14.Withdrawal of Lots: Once entered for sale, Lots may be withdrawn by the Seller only upon the agreement of TimeLine and payment to TimeLine of the Withdrawal Fee; a Withdrawal Fee will also be payable should any post-Sale offer be received in accordance with clause 14 but not accepted by the Seller. TimeLine reserves the absolute right to withdraw any Lot from sale for any reason in which circumstance no Withdrawal Fee will be payable. The Seller is thereafter responsible for collection of any Lot which has been withdrawn and clause 15 applies.
15.Unsold Lots and Storage: in the event that a Lot is not sold no Selling Commission is payable unless the Lot was subject to a Reserve Price in which case a sum of 6% (VAT inclusive)of the Reserve Price is payable by the Seller to TimeLine. TimeLine shall retain possession of unsold Lots for a period of twenty-eight days from the date of any Auction for entry into any Timed Sale or against the possibility of receiving postSale offers for such Lots. The Seller is thereafter responsible for collection of any unsold goods immediately after this period and Lots will be released after any charges due have been paid in full. Lots not removed by 4.30pm on the seventh working day after the due date will be moved to storage at a transfer cost of £20 plus VAT per Lot and storage charges will thereafter be applied at the rate of £1.90 plus VAT per Lot per day until collected; no Lots may be removed until any storage or other amounts due to TimeLine have been paid in full. In the event that the accrual of storage charges reaches 50% of the Reserve Price or after the expiration of three months from the transfer date, whichever occurs first, Timeline reserve the right to re-sell any and all Lots stored without notice and in any manner at their sole discretion and to apply any proceeds in defrayment of such costs. The Seller will be entitled to receive any credit balance above the amount of the costs on request but will remain liable for any deficit.
16.Payment to Sellers: the Net Proceeds of the Auction will become due and
payable to the Seller 30 days following the Date of Sale provided that TimeLine have received cleared payment of the Purchase Price in full from the Buyer.
17.Use of your personal information: TimeLine will only use the Seller’s personal information as set out in their privacy policy. TimeLine may amend this policy from time to time. Where Timeline processes any personal data, Timeline will comply with the requirements and obligations under the Data Protection Legislation.
18.Anti-Money Laundering: TimeLine’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy sets out TimeLine’s policy for ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering legislation that applies to some of TimeLine’s activities. TimeLine may amend this policy from time to time.
19.Sale of Goods Act: The terms implied by sections 13 to 15 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, excluded.
20.Severance: If any provision or partprovision of these terms and conditions is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable, it shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the relevant provision or part-provision shall be deemed deleted. Any modification to or deletion of a provision or part-provision under this clause shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the rest of the terms and conditions.
21.Amendments: TimeLine may amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Please check our website for our latest terms and conditions.
22.No waiver: No failure or delay by TimeLine to exercise any right or remedy provided under the these Terms and Conditions or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy.
23.Third-Party rights: These Terms & Conditions are between Timeline and a Seller. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of these terms.
24.Governing Law: these terms and conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation (including noncontractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of England and Wales.
25.Jurisdiction: each party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these terms and conditions or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).
