Greek and Other Artefact Group

A copper-alloy ring composed of a slender hoop and elliptical bezel, engraved with a swan or other large standing bird. 3.57 grams, 21.24 mm overall, 19.57 x 17.46 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

A ceramic red-figure bail amphora with round-section strap handle and pierced lug at the apex, tall waisted neck with vertical rib detailing, rounded shoulder with running wave pattern ornament, tapering body with figural designs of standing females wearing a himation and a stephane in red and white on black ground, one figure holding a thyrsus and the other an ear of corn, with accessories in the field; flared base; from a workshop in Cumae. 862 grams, 37 cm high



Ex collection H.& P. Payot, Clarens, by descent. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11577-199027. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.QED2223/SG0-0105 from QED Laboratoire.

The bail amphora, named for the tall handle arching over the mouth, was a shape made primarily in Campania, where red-figure vases were produced at both Capua and Cumae in the 4th century B.C. The decoration offered a remarkable range of subjects associated not only with mythological images, but with representations of the local life, costumes and customs. The simple, single figure compositions decorating each side of this vase are also characteristic of the style, which tended to avoid complex mythological scenes often found on much larger vessels like volute craters, favouring representation of the daily life of south Italic people.

A faience pilgrim’s flask with slender neck and loop handle, raised geometric or floral pattern to both faces; remains of glaze; second loop handle now absent. 812 grams, 19 cm high



Acquired in 1998. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.