Greek Bronze Seal Ring with Lion

Comprising three standing korai on a rectangular base, each wearing a chiton and a himation draped diagonally from the right shoulder, centrally parted hair topped with a polos crown; hollow back, middle head restored. 480 grams, 19.3 cm



Private Swiss collection, 1990s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12665-236417. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Korai (young women) were common votive dedications in the Archaic and Classical world, particularly at sanctuaries of Demeter, Persephone, and Hera. To have a group of maidens, such as this example, is highly unusual, and evokes the ritual dances of marriageable young women in the Greek world.

With large eyes and applied pupils, accentuated nose and open mouth with protruding tongue, hair indicated with regularly disposed lines; repaired, western Greek workmanship; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 142 grams total, 15.5 cm including stand



Ex Mr M.Q.F, Horgen, Switzerland, 1971. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

A Gorgoneion was a protective symbol in ancient Greek art that depicts the head of the Gorgon, a mythical creature with snakes for hair and a terrifying gaze that could turn people to stone. The Gorgoneion was believed to have the power to ward off evil and protect the person who wore it or displayed it. The image of the Gorgoneion was often used as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evil or bad luck. It was often depicted on shields, armour, or even as an architectural feature on buildings. The symbol was also sometimes used in jewellery, such as amulets or pendants, and was believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. The most famous depiction of the Gorgoneion is probably the one on the aegis of the goddess Athena.

Modelled with squat body and raised openwork handle with two projecting lobes to the top, the body with three raised bosses on the shoulder and the base with raised petals radiating from the low foot. 208 grams, 13.3 cm wide



Ulrike Feuz-Lauprecht, NIKE Kunst der Antike, Bremgarten 9 April 1991. Private collection, Bern, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.