Graeco-Persian Bronze Ring Group

Comprising a discoid body with raised rim, ribbed handle and openwork stylised panther to the terminal; mounted on a custom-made display stand; some restoration. 1.8 kg total, 45 cm high including stand



Acquired 1971-1972. From the collection of the vendor's father. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.202711.

The 'Olbian type' mirror takes its name from the Greek colony of Olbia, a port on the Black Sea, which enjoyed close commercial links with the neighbouring Scythian territories. Olbian mirrors form an important element in this trade network, although whether the craftsmen who made them were Scythians or Greeks working in Scythian style for the Black Sea market is still undecided. The animal ornament of the mirrors reproduces the zoomorphic art used elsewhere by the Scythian elite.

In the form of a stag or other horned quadruped facing left, shallow geometric cells forming the eyes and other stylised anatomical detailing; mounting lug to reverse. 55 grams, 72 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Composed mainly of types with a convex hoop, stepped shoulders and roughly oval-shaped bezel, most displaying an incuse human or animal figure. 51 grams total, 23-26 mm



Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.