Indus Valley Style Terracotta Bull Group

Formed as a hand showing figa gesture, silver mount with applied twisted wires; attachment loop and ring to the top. 19.6 grams, 56 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Mano Fico, as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or mano fico, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm. The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans. This carving would have served as a token representing a person's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the very few places in which jet can be found and mined since at least the Middle Ages.

Ellipsoid bezel with flange rim, inset cameo with a group of four adults holding an infant on a plinth; a rare subject for depiction. 8.91 grams, 24.68 mm overall, 19.41 x 17.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13152-248333.

Formed with three horizontal bands, central figure of crucified Jesus; a pair of angels, dove and Jahve to the upper part; legend in azbuka on both faces. 66 grams, 11 cm



Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex P. Morris collection.