Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace

A banded agate intaglio engraved with an ancient Assyrian(?) style figural scene showing a man with sword in hand battling a sphinx-like mythical winged creature with the head of a woman and body of a lion, swollen teats lining the creature's belly; pair of drilled holes for suspension; chipped. 21.6 grams, 43 mm

Fine condition.

Property of a North London gentleman.

Likely an allusion to ancient tales of the monstrous and treacherous sphinx attacking the hero.

A gold ring composed of a slender hoop embellished with tapering, white enamelled shoulders with black enamelled flourishes, fluted box collet setting, set with a pink foil back and table-cut rock crystal; accompanied by a vintage ring box. 1.89 grams, 21.50 mm overall, 16.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Valued by Bentley & Skinner, Piccadilly, London W1, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Bentley & Skinner insurance valuation. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11669-197584.

The V & A Museum explains that during the '...Renaissance, the ring developed from the simple forms of the medieval period into a miniature work of art, combining the skills of the chaser, engraver and enameller as well as the stone cutter.

A large opaque polychrome glass bead displaying a feathering effect with alternating blue and white bands, forming stylised flower heads at each end; central hole for suspension with yellow collar to both openings. 40 grams, 29 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.