Greek Black-Glazed Cup

Discoid body with raised rim; ribbed column-like handle with a kneeling stag above, supporting the mirror with its large antlers. 570 grams, 31.5 cm



Mr M.B., Mainz, Germany, since the 1960s. Acquired from the above, 2007. Private collection, London. 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 no.12182-221464.

Bronze mirrors of this type with zoomorphic handles, were widespread in the Scythian archaeology of the Northern Black Sea Region, Northern Caucasus and Carpathian Basin. Handles were often decorated with sculptured depictions of rams, feline predators or deer (stag). The similarity with Scythian art is clearly visible by comparing the stag of our mirror with the stags from the Scythian steppe culture (Loehr, 1955, figs.5,6,10,13-21).

Including fragments of storage vessel, jar, bowl and other items, some with handle and spout elements. 4.55 kg total, 2.6-26 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Modelled as a grotesque male head with gaping crescent-shaped mouth, pointed nose, furrowed brow and thick mop of hair around the head; pierced at the upper face. 45 grams, 60 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.