Egyptian Predynastic Terracotta Jar

Conical in profile with a wide base and a shallow interior hollow; inscription in a darker blue glaze, consisting of a single line of demotic-script text. 57 grams, 62 mm



Mariaud de Serres, Drouot, Paris, 1999. with Christie’s, New York, 5-6 December 2001, no.354. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.

Demotic script was an ancient Egyptian writing system that was used from approximately the 7th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. It represented a more simplified and cursive form of writing compared to hieroglyphs and hieratic script. Demotic text was employed for a wide range of purposes in ancient Egypt, including administrative, legal, religious, and literary documents. Deciphering Demotic has played a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture, history, and everyday life.

Globular body with short socket and thickened rim; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 457 grams total, mace: 60 mm high



Ex Norman Fargo collection. with Olympia Auctions, 26 June 2024, no.119. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Norman Fargo was born in Los Angeles, California in 1945, the son of Hungarian immigrant Frank and his wife, Rose. His lifelong passion for collecting began at the age of six with a simple interest in rocks. By the 1960s, Norman had become a dedicated student of antique arms and armour, developing a deep appreciation for both craftsmanship and historical context. He began collecting at a time when many items now considered rare were still relatively accessible. A friendship with renowned collector Howard Curtis—whose important collection was partially sold at Christie’s, London in 1984—opened doors to early and exceptional material. Norman also acquired outstanding pieces from respected figures such as Frank Bivens and others known today through museum and auction catalogue provenance. Alongside his core collection of arms and armour (c.1450-1700), Norman developed an eye for period furniture and accessories. He also built a growing collection of Pre-Columbian art with an emphasis on Southern Mexican cultures, particularly Veracruz, as well as fine examples of Japanese Satsuma ware and cloisonné.

Ellipsoid in plan with frieze comprising a large Maat feather, a winged sun disc, and a winged Khepri beetle. 13 grams, 27 mm



Ex collection of the late Mr S. M., London, UK, 1970-1990s.