Etruscan Tinned Bronze Armoured Belt Hook

Bulbous bodied with a rounded base, slender cylindrical neck, trumpet-shaped rim and integral handle, decorated with incised circumferential bands, hatched triangles and chevrons; accompanied by an acrylic display base. 388 grams, 18 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From the deceased estate of a North Yorkshire private collector, UK. Ex Den of Antiquity, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Red burnished-ware pottery became the dominant pottery ware lasting into the Middle Bronze Age on the island of Cyprus. Vessels were handmade and covered with a slip, which was burnished and often decorated with patterns incised with a sharp cutting edge before being fired. Potters were able to produce vessels that were either mottled or painted in two colours, often red outside and black inside and on the exterior of the rim.

Of piriform shape with a small foot, multi-petalled rosette within the shallow kick-up to base, vertically fluted body, ovolo ornament to the shoulder and flared mouth with rolled rim; six strain holes to the shoulder; held within a custom-made felt-lined display box. 132 grams, 13.5 cm high ( 765 grams total, 22 x 17 cm including box)



with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972. with Bonhams, London, 26 October 2007, lot 213. Acquired on the London art market.

The straining holes are an indication that the vessel possibly once had a spout.

Comprising: one with punched pellets and crescents above the edge on each face; the other with a pointillé scroll. 4.8 grams total, 20-23 mm



Acquired in the early 1970s. Ex property of a Surrey, UK, collector.