Late Roman Iridescent Multi-Coloured Bracelet

Ellipsoid in plan with low basal ring and thick convex rim, carination to the forward end; hinges to each lateral rim, the knuckles formed as addorsed duck-heads each with scrolled panel to the rear retaining the pivot of the ribbed D-shaped handles. 1.68 kg, 28 cm



Acquired in Switzerland, 1996. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate dated 30th April 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12363-226688.

This vessel (lanx) was part of Roman and provincial bronze instrumentum domesticum, i.e. culinary or domestic utility ware. The form of the bowl resembles a type of helmet with carination to the front, the handles placed as hinged cheek-protectors.

With narrow round-section shank, flattened leaf-shaped finials with transverse ribbing and punched serpent-head detailing. 6.57 grams, 49 mm



Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1980s-1990s.

The armilla was a Roman military decoration in the form of an arm-ring or bracelet, often with snake-head terminals. They were made in gold, silver or bronze, the latter normally awarded to the lower ranks as a visible mark of distinguished service.

With broad rounded shoulders, inset banded agate gemstone with intaglio ant motif. 5.27 grams, 23.40 mm overall, 18.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Formerly in North American collection, 1990s. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman.