Greek Core-Formed Glass Aryballos

Comprising three vessels with bulbous bodies decorated with painted circumferential bands and concentric circles; single loop handle to the rear; tall neck with a central ridge and painted bands, wide trumpet mouth. 174 grams total, 83-87 mm



Acquired in 2000. Private collection, Europe.

Formed as a domed disc pendant with openwork cross and central hole; triangular bale above, three loops below each with a crotal bell attached; mounted on a custom-made stand. 86 grams (134 grams), 11.9 cm(14.5 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.

The round element represents the four-spoked wheel of a chariot, typical of the Bronze Age. The motif has been interpreted as solar symbolism since this period. The circularity between solar cosmologies—symbolic wheel/solar vehicle/functional chariot—was deeply ingrained since at least the 15th century from North Europe to Aegeaum, and continued in the early Iron Age.

Openwork plaque depicting a stylised horse with curved body, bosses to the hips and shoulders, head turned backwards along the spine with looped reins; ribbed loop to the reverse. 41.5 grams, 75 mm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s.