Etruscan Bucchero Chalice with Mythical Beasts, Animals, and Caryatid

Hollow-formed and with rounded facial features; wavy hair with central partition, dressed with a tall diadem. 74 grams total, 78 mm high



UK private collection. Acquired Spink, York, UK, 2009. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

The head is probably from a cult statuette of Demeter. Statuettes of the goddess, seated or standing, or even busts, are well documented in the south of Italy, both among the Greek colonists and the local populations; many have been excavated from regional sanctuaries.

With a delicately modelled face and full lips, hooped earrings visible from beneath her hair; the hair with central parting and pulled to a chignon at the nape of the neck; wearing a diadem with central embellishment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 41.3 grams total, 75 mm high including stand



Ex French Sorbonne archaeology professor (deceased); 1960s -2000s.

These figurines were most probably manufactured in Hellenistic cities by craftsmen who used either light yellow or dark brown clay. After the firing, the surface of the clay became reddish, while the core became grey-brown. The majority of the figurines were made from untreated clay with many impurities, such as coarse grain. Due to the quality of the clay the surface of the figurines was often rugged, despite the retouch, but were painted with vivid colours.

Matched pair of gold earrings, each wire hoop with hook-and-eye closure, ellipsoid shield with beaded rim and cell with carnelian cabochon, free-running dangle with filigree crocketting and granule cluster. 3.85 grams total, 40 mm each



From a collection of a London lady, acquired annually during 1990s-2000s.