Bactrian Style Alabaster Jar

Hexagonal in plan with epigraphic and figural panels: memorial cross with serpent; 'hodie mihi' and 'cras tibi' (my [fate] today [shall be] yours tomorrow); mane-in-fede clasped hands; angel with sword; skull and crossed bones among foliage. 12.5 grams, 23.13 mm overall, 19.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19)



Ex Sussex, UK, private collection. Property of a Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman.

From the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse; the central image of seated Christ on a blue cloud with gold circlets supported by cherubs, an arch of cherubs represented as fire-creatures above him; surrounded by angels holding the models of the seven churches of Asia, from left to right: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea, with their names written next to the models and a candlestick before; resting figure of Saint John below, dressed in red himation and green pallium, a monk dressed in long white sticharion and epitrachelion beside him; panel with text from the Book of Revelation above him; mounted in a modern gilt frame with an old label for 'Henry J Murcott' to the reverse. 5.6 kg total, 90.5 x 74.5 cm



Acquired in the 1990s or before. From a deceased London, UK, estate. Accompanied by an academic report Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

With the tail forming the hasp, keyhole to the chest. 371 grams, 16.5 cm wide



Acquired circa 2012. Property of a Stowmarket, UK, gentleman.