Large Roman Bronze Decorated Bow Brooch

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue, cream and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 786 grams total, 6.7-12.5 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Composed mainly of oblate and annular beads with larger beads as a central feature, restrung. 9.78 grams, 39 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Ellipsoid in plan cell with flange rim and a pair of loops at each end for connection to a chain; inset jasper cloison. 9.63 grams, 34 mm



Acquired by a Swiss family in the mid-1980-1990, thence by descent. Private collection, since 1993.

The specimen has a good parallel with an element of a gold-chain necklace from the treasure of Nikolaevo. The use of stone to decorate Roman jewellery was very popular after the end of the 2nd century A.D., as is visible in the medallions of the Castellani and Frank Bequest collections in the British Museum.