Hellenistic Gold and Coral Pendant with Dolphins

Group of three burnished redware jugs, two smaller examples with loop handle to the neck, larger with handle to the shoulder; all with incised linear ornament. 1.06 kg total, 14-21 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.

Modelled in the round figure of Hercle (Roman Hercules, Greek Herakles) standing nude with the lionskin mantle draped over his extended left forearm, the right arm bent and fist raised (originally holding a club); the hair cut short and radiating from the crown of the head, lentoid eyes flanking a snub nose; mounted on a custom-made stand. 87 grams total, 77 mm (10.2 cm high including stand)



From the estate of Eldert Bontekoe (1954-2020). Ex Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000. with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 26 December 2020, no.8. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 20.38. Accompanied by an original Artemis Gallery certificate of authenticity dated 27 January 2021. Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.

Formed as a coral pillar with gold rosette finial, collar supporting two rearing dolphins flanking a blue glass bead; loop and suspension ring above. 2.98 grams, 33 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.