Lapis Lazuli Bead Necklace

With intricately engraved shoulders, with floral design, filled with the remains of black enamel; the bezel with a discoid intaglio standing figure of Mercury in profile, with marsupium in one extended hand and caduceus supported in the crook of the other arm with chlamys draped from the shoulder. 2.87 grams, 24.61 mm overall, 18.76 x 21.81 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T, USA 9 1/2, Europe 21.26, Japan 20)



Ex Peter Szuhay, Mayfair, London, UK. Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13487-262460.

On such gems, the god is usually depicted standing, with his head in profile and accompanied by his attributes: he holds a purse, a marsupium, in one hand, while the caduceus is tucked under his arm, wrapped in his cloak. Mercury was the patron of commerce and merchants, but also of thieves; the purse represented profit.

Comprising: a single-edged knife with a ring handle; a copper-alloy spoon, with partially silvered handle marked AmeΛbku; a substantial bronze ladle with segmented handle, bulbous bowl with pouring lip and body decorated by lozenges, finial of a sitting male with arms folded across the knees, trapezoidal panel to the rear with suspension ring. 346 grams total, 23.5-34 cm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1960s. From the private collection of Mr J.P.H., a Woolwich, UK, collector, his collection formed since the 1960s.

Comprising: squat bowl with enamelled floral frieze to the equator, palmettes to the base; two vases each with bulbous body, flared foot and slender stem, reserved foliage detailing. 1.35 kg total, 11-18.5 cm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent.