Hellenistic Gold and Coral Pendant with Dolphins

Modelled in the round with soft youthful features, short beard, small mouth and large lentoid eyes, tousled hair with a diadem above the brow; socket to the top of the head and remains of a spur to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.86 kg total, 26.5 cm high including stand



Joseph Klein collection, formed in New York 1941-1980, thence by descent. Acquired from Bonhams, London, 24 October 2012, no.2. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12002-212101.

Votive sculptures were the commonest form of Cypriot sculptures of the period. They were erected within the precincts of temples or covered sanctuaries, around the altar at which the god was worshipped. Thus, on Cyprus, the statuary was conceived as an ex-voto, an image expressing the desire of the believer to enter into intimate communion with and reside under the eternal protection of the gods.

Tapering round-section votive with reserved zigzag bands of dense linear hatching; remains of an old base including label. 70 grams total, 14 cm high including stand



From the celebrated personal collection of art formed by the famous anthropologist, artist, and television presenter Desmond Morris. with Christie’s, South Kensington, 14 May 2002, no.19 (part). 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. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.

Tanagra-type hollow-formed figurine of a nude female with dressed hair; hole to the reverse and underside; repaired. 46 grams, 11.3 cm



Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.