Hellenistic Bronze Ring with Mythical Bird

With a piriform body and narrow foot, deep shoulder and flange rim, strap handle to the rear; the rim and shoulder with radiating strokes, concentric bands to the body and foot, frieze of stylised running hounds below the shoulder. 34 grams, 63 mm high



Acquired 1980-1990s. From the private collection of H.N., Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK.

Proto-Corinthian aryballoi of the same type, probably of Etruscan manufacture, in buff-ware decorated with dark metallic, purple-maroon and red-brown bands have been found in the Veii excavations. John Boardman noted that the shape in Corinth barely survives the 7th century, but these small pots are still found in Etruscan graves of the first half, or at least the first quarter, of the 6th century B.C.

In black-painted geometric buffware, with wide bands of black painted decoration on the ovoid body and on the rim, loop handles. 164 grams, 11.8 cm wide



Ex P.A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an old typed catalogue slip.

The type is well known on Cyprus from 850 B.C. The simplification of the geometric ornaments in panels on the neck and shoulder suggest that the present specimen is later than the Geometric Period.

Hollow-formed ceramic cone withlongitudonal hatched zigzag bands, incised circumferential band, impressed 'cross barby' and lozenge motifs; vertical 'seam' to the reverse with impressed 'stitching'; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.55 kg total, 26.5 cm (30.5 cm including stand)



US private collection. with DuMouchelles Auction, Detroit, 18 February 2023, lot 1123.