Late Roman Solid Gold Ring with Bird and Flower Gem

Matched pair of gold earrings, each a wire hoop developing to three twisted strands with hook-and-eye closure, shield with central granule cluster and braided filigree to the rim; lozengiform fluted box below with granule detailing to the lower face. 6.24 grams total, 28-31 mm



From a collection of a London lady, acquired during 1990s-2000s.

D-section swept-curve handle, the upper end developing to the foreparts of a winged lion with forelegs bent and paws resting on the vessel's rim, wings folded to the flanks; high-relief foliage detailing to the outer face of the handle; acanthus leaf to the lower end developing to a facing bearded mask of a satyr; mounted on a custom-made stand. 452 grams total, 13 cm high (17 cm high including stand)



Acquired between 1980-1983. From the 'Empire' collection, an important UK private collection of seals.

Usually this type of handles decorated ovoid-shaped oinochoai, a type of vase widespread in Southern Italy. Numerous specimens in the National Museum of Archaeology, Naples present panther or horse protomes, as do some provincial specimens from Gaul. Particular and unusual here is the lion-griffin, which refers to Greek-Egyptian motifs, perhaps connected to the cult of Isis-Serapis.

Pugio modelled in the round with piercing for attachment. 3.9 grams, 28 mm



From the collection of C. Sullivan, 1990s.