Bactrian Style Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace

A mixed group of ancient Roman style artefacts comprising: a sestertius of Antoninus Pius, probably a replica; a cameo gemstone displaying a female bust on profile left; a discoid cameo stone displaying a winged cherub; a gold ring composed of a double-loop band with openwork centre, discoid bezel decorated with polychrome glass beads mounted around a central gold foliate sheet. 37 grams total, 19-30 mm



Family collection formed before 1980. Ex property of a Richmond gentleman.

A tempera on wood icon depicting the Mother of God supporting the Child with her left forearm, his right hand raised and making the sign of blessing, left hand holding a scroll; the Virgin wearing a red maphorion with a light green veil and a blue chiton; both figures nimbate, the haloes tooled with foliate designs, gilt background with a red and white arch above. 520 grams, 27.5 x 21.5 cm

The lighter areas of the flesh further highlighted with fine white brushstrokes. The gilding of the background lost, minor losses, minimally restored

Property of a London lady, part of her family's collection.

The layout of the composition clearly indicates the icon's close link with Hodegetria type, the most typical iconography of the Mother of God in Byzantium since the 10th century. However, the type also recalls the iconography of the Virgin Psychosostria, i.e. 'Health of Souls'.

A mixed group of mainly stone beads and a seal, including lapis lazuli zoomorphic beads; a stamp seal with couchant lion carved in the round and incuse animal design to base in ancient style; a banded agate bead; biconical bead and others. 43.4 grams total, 5-34 mm



Essex gallery, early 2000s.