Graeco-Persian Gold Ram-Shaped Amulet

With cylindrical body and broad bevelled shoulder, stepped foot, lateral squared loop handles and strap handle to shoulder, broad mouth; Side A: seated female in himation holding an offering bowl in her extended left hand; white detailing to the diadem, necklace, earrings, mirror in her right hand, rim of the bowl and elsewhere; Side B: reserved palmette motif extending to the shoulder and neck; repainted. 771 grams, 23 cm high



Acquired on the art market between the late 1990s and mid-2000s. Estate of the late Barry Paul Buxton (1944–2024), Oakham, Rutland. Acquired on the UK art market, 2025. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N126a16 from Oxford Authentication.

Apulian red-figure had a strong influence on other Italian ceramics of the late 5th century B.C. and an even greater effect from around the middle of the 4th century, with potters and painters apparently migrating to Italic centres throughout Apulia, as well as to Metaponto, Paestum and other parts of Campania. Although it is most probable that Taranto was the main centre of production for Apulian red-figure, the recent extensive finds at Canosa, Melfi and other sites suggest that there were numerous Apulian centres of manufacture.

Discoid body and short tubular neck with everted rim, two loop handles. 561 grams, 19.2 cm



Ex London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. Private collection, London.

Modelled in the round in the form of a ram lying with its legs folded beneath the body, head turned with hooked horns, collar to the neck with a large pellet pendant; ribbed suspension loop behind the shoulders, mounting lug beneath the trunk. 12.87 grams, 30 mm



Private collection, acquired on the European art market in 2002. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, 8 June 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13204-249215.

The ram, a male symbol, was associated with various divinities. Turned into a ram as a child by Zeus, and a common sacrifice to the god, the ram was a symbol of Dionysus, which he shared with Aphrodite. Ram heads and pendants frequently occur in jewellery. In the animal kingdom, Eros favours the cockerel and the ram, both of which are indicative of sexual potency.