Bronze Bird Catcher Figure

A Queen Anne period gold ring composed of a slender hoop with expanding shoulders formed as the ball-joints of long bones; bezel formed as an elongated stylised skull featuring large eye-sockets set with facetted diamonds; white enamelled teeth and head detailing; accompanied by a vintage ring box. 2.82 grams, 19.54 mm overall,17.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



Acquired from Berganza, Hatton Garden, London, 2016. Property of an East Sussex collector. Accompanied by a copy of the Berganza invoice. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11665-197583.

Likely a ring of the memento mori genre. The V & A Museum states 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 free-standing, naturalistically modelled figure of Saint Barbara, standing in an animated manner beside a scaled-down tower or turret with stone and glass came detailing, the saint shown with one bare foot emerging from beneath the hem of her luxuriant floor-length robes, adorned with a jewel near her right breast and crowned with a jewelled diadem; extensive remains of gesso and polychrome pigmentation; metal fitting to reverse for securing the figure upright. 38.3 kg, 1.34 m high



English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11677-199840.

Saint Barbara is the patron saint of architects. Her father constructed a tower and imprisoned his daughter within it. To honour the Holy Trinity, Barbara had three windows incorporated into the design. The timber shows some old insect flight holes and we are advised that this piece has been recently treated with Permethrin, as a precaution.

A black jasper figurine depicting a tortoise with domed shell, plate detailing to the back and underneath, small erect head; offered with a green stone cat amulet, pierced longitudinally. 60 grams total, 32-51 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired on the London art market before 1999. Ex property of a West London gentleman.