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LOT 0338
Gold, Enamel, and Diamond-Set Skull Ring
CIRCA 1700 A.D.
3/4 in. (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)).
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.
ProvenanceAcquired 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.
Cf. The V&A Museum, London, accession number 528-1868, for a ring of similar type.
FootnotesLikely 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.'
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AUCTIONS:
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Ancient Style Object Group
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
A mixed group of archaistic items including a lapis lazuli cylinder seal, glazed composition scarab in white metal setting and other items. 507 grams total, 27-85mm
Acquired 1990s. Ex French collection. -
Bronze Statue of the Warrior of Riace
20th century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
A bronze copy of the 'Warrior of Riace', found in Calabria, Italy, standing nude wearing a cap made from the face of the Nemean lion; bracer to the left forearm for attachment of a shield or lion skin cape. 40 kg, 1.42 m high
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11692-199339.
The 'Riace Bronzes' are two full-size Greek bronzes of bearded warriors, dating from about 450 B.C. that were found in the sea near Riace, Calabria, southern Italy in 1972. They are now in the Museo Nazionale della Magna Grecia in the city of Reggio Calabria. -
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Post Medieval Green Porphyry 'Warwick Vase' Pair
18th-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
A pair of carved porphyry vases modelled on the famous 2nd century A.D. Roman Warwick Vase with Bacchic ornament, beading and egg-and-dart ornament around the rim, foliate vines below with both handles formed from two entwined vines, the body displaying a frieze of male and female masks modelled naturalistically in high relief, leaves radiating upwards from the centre base; each created in two parts and accompanied by a marble plinth; probably re-used ancient stone. 10.7 kg total, 29.5 cm wide each
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.11684-199805.
The original vase was reputedly discovered at Hadrian's Villa, in Tivoli, Italy in 1771 A.D.; now in the Burrell Collection, Glasgow, Scotland. The vase is not entirely reconstructed from original elements but incorporates the restorer's interpretation of how missing elements of the vase likely appeared. The original vase was named after the 2nd Earl of Warwick who acquired it from his uncle, Sir William Hamilton, in c.1775.
