Greek Lock Plate Herm Figure

A copper-alloy ring composed of a round-section hoop and ellipsoidal bezel displaying an incuse leaping lion motif, collars to shoulders. 4.23 grams, 26.35 mm overall, 19.34 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK.

A ceramic burnished ware zoomorphic jug with a piriform body, slender cylindrical neck with tapering U-section spout with integral handle to rear and perforated lug to the base of the neck at the front; decorated with a shallow incised geometric motifs composed of clusters of horizontal lines and bands of lozenges with hatched fill, chevrons along the spine of the handle; accompanied by a display stand; some restoration. 667 grams total, 33 cm high including stand



Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK.

Red burnished ware pottery became the dominant pottery ware lasting into the Middle Bronze Age on the island of Cyprus. Vessels were handmade and covered with a slip, which was burnished and often decorated with patterns incised with a sharp cutting edge before being fired. Potters were able to produce vessels that were either mottled or painted in two colours, often red outside and black inside and on the exterior of the rim.

A trapezoidal bronze matrix, likely for jewellery production, bearing an acanthus leaf motif in relief to one face, with delicate detailing. 78 grams, 57 mm



German collection before 2000. Collection of Mr.D.H., formed in UK, from the EU art market. Property of a Surrey gentleman.

In antiquity, matrices for raising jewellery elements, ornaments and plaques were made of bronze, stone or reinforced terracotta. Matrices with designs in relief were used as an alternative to matrices with hollow designs or intaglio matrices.