Group of Seals and Scaraboids

Modelled in the round as a bust of a youthful female, possibly Aphrodite with her hair bound by a narrow filet tied at the nape of the neck and the tails retained by a flat ribbon at the rear; the face perhaps modelled on the statue 'Aphrodite of Knidos' by Praxiteles; socket to crown of the head for attachment of a nimbus (now absent); mounted on a socle base. 12.6 kg, 40.5 cm



Acquired on the Los Angeles art market. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13095-249678.

This magnificent head of a woman with an elaborate hairstyle is in perfect harmony with the artistic works of several neo-classical sculptors of 18th century, yet subtly different from it in stylistic terms, like Giovanni Marchiori, and to the so-called stone Venus or Flora in the Museo Civico di Treviso.

Square in section and piriform in profile with taotie masks supporting drop handles, domed lid with four dragon appliqués. 3.2 kg, 34 cm high



Ex West Country, UK, collection, 1990s, and Desmond Morris.

Certificate of participation in the German expedition against China, dated 17th September 1901, issued to Karl Rennebaum and stamped by the 'Kaiserliche Marine'; in glazed wooden frame. 831 grams total, 38.5 x 31 cm



From the private collection of author and historian Dr DeWitt Bailey; thence by descent to his grandson.