Larger Than Lifesize Roman Marble Thumb

Hollow-formed with neatly dressed hair in a chignon, small facial features and exaggerated eyes; mounted on a custom-made stand. 415 grams total, 94 mm including stand



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.

The head could be considered to represent the goddesses Juno or Tutela. The head is crowned with a simple diadem, which could fit with the identification of Venus, Juno, or Diana, or more particularly with a series of Roman benefactor and protective goddesses: Fortuna, Abundance or Concordia.

With broad bowl and inturned rim, D-section handle, with one remaining hooked duck-head-head finial. 208 grams, 26.5 cm



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

Comprising a single earring with thick hook closure, folding towards the bottom and ending in a small hoop; teardrop-shaped plaque with ten bezels having cabochon insert garnets; a central garnet cabochon surrounded by smaller garnet cabochons in different hues of red, framed by gold granules, each stone set in a gold cell with filigree collar; the back decorated by fine filigree. 7.4 grams, 33 mm



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

The use of Roman style jewellery continued in the east also after the fall of the west, especially in the old jewellery production centres like Alexandria and Antioch, giving way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Eastern Empire, jewellery played an important role, expressing rank status and being also used as a diplomatic tool.