Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace

A silver figure modelled in the round as the Apostle Paul, standing on a polygonal base, wearing a voluminous floor-length robe, clasping the Bible to the right side of his breast, holding a sword in his left hand, semi-naturalistic detailing to his face, beard and hair. 58.2 grams, 66 mm high

Fine condition.

Austrian private collection since circa 1995. Ex central London gallery.

A mixed group of beads, mainly large spherical lapis lazuli and cylindrical amethyst types. 238 grams total, 8-22 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

A bronze aquamanile portraying a mounted rider, both horse and rider modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic anatomical and facial features; the horse standing facing forwards, ears pinned back and with short tail; the male figure positioned with one hand on the reins, the other raised to eye level, wearing period costume and boots; rectangular vessel mouth behind horse's forelock with remains of hinge for a lid (absent), conical pouring spout to its lower chest; some splits; modelled on c.15th century German examples. 5.6 kg, 30.5 cm high



Acquired from St Marys Convent, Peekshill, New York. From Emily Gagnon, Dallas, USA. UK private collection, 2002. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11686-197726

The practical function of the aquamanile was to pour clean water over the hands before dining, and in religious contexts to symbolically purify the body before undertaking communion. The origins of the form are often traced to the area of Iran, and it reached Western Europe through contacts with the Byzantine Empire.