Lead-Glazed Ribbed Glass Amphora

Comprising a group of crumb-decorated polychrome oblate beads and a centrepiece pendant formed as a stylised bearded head. 179 grams total, 12-42 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The Phoenicians, renowned seafarers and traders, were also skilled glassworkers. They produced a wide variety of glass beads using core-forming and winding techniques, with vivid colours and elaborate designs that reflect both technical mastery and cross-cultural influence. Among the most iconic Phoenician beads are glass 'head' beads, crafted in the form of stylised human or mythological faces. Typically, they feature exaggerated facial details like bulging eyes, large noses, beards, and headdresses, often with expressive or comic features. They were possibly worn as amulets to ward off evil or attract protection, though they may also represent deities, ancestors, or foreigners. These beads often incorporate Egyptian, Greek, and Near Eastern stylistic elements, reflecting the Phoenicians’ extensive trade networks.

Fragment of the rectangular base of a statue, preserving an integral pair of feet on the upper surface; lower end of dorsal column inscription at the rear with two hieroglyphs; below, a horizontal band of hieroglyphic text extending onto both short sides including part of an offering formula for the ḥm-nṯr ı͗wnw-smꜤ ḥr-sꜢ-Ꜣstı͗ (the priest [of the] Southern Heliopolis [i.e., Thebes], Hor-sa-aseti); old collectors' labels on the underside; supplied with a custom-made wooden display stand. 1.37 kg, 12.9 cm (4.08 kg total, 25 cm including stand)



Private New York, USA, collection, 1970. Ex Adrian Burns, Columus, Ohio, USA, from an old estate collection. Ex Art for Eternity gallery, New York, USA. Ex Art Primativo, Auction 16, 2001, no.430. Ex private New York, USA, collection. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Egyptologist Paul Whelan. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12832-240779. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Modelled in the round with dorsal pillar and loop, small base. 6.1 grams total, 43 mm including stand



Collection of Monsieur M.; Etude Tajan, Paris, 26 February 1996, no.101. Private collection, London, UK, acquired from the above sale. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport, dated 21 March 1996. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The vervet monkey was a symbol of love and sexual fulfilment.