Medieval Bronze Merchant's Signet Ring

An architectural structural element, carved in two pieces: the upper section formed as a tulip with rounded base, the Nativity scene depicted on all sides comprising: the Virgin and Child seated on a throne, surrounded by divine light; the three wise men bearing gifts to her right, the foremost man kneeling next to the throne; behind the wise men a scene depicting Mary resting on a bed with Joseph beside her, the Child in his cradle with a donkey and an ox looking over him bathed in divine light; the last scene representing the meeting between Mary and Saint Elizabeth; the square base with spandrels. 812 grams total, 70-78 mm



Acquired in the early 2000s. Ex Norfolk, UK, collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11782-205862.

The treatment of the faces is similar to various English Romanesque ecclesiastical sculpture; see for example Christ in Majesty in St Andrew's Church in Bugthorpe or a loose corbel from the St Bees Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint Bega (Cumbria).

Comprising a handled tripod skillet, jugs and pots, some retaining their handles; most with chips and cracks. 4.55 kg total, 14.5-33.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

In medieval Southampton, jugs and cups were found in great number and were the most common forms of Tudor green ware. They were small and plain, and possibly used for drinking rather than serving and therefore can be classified as drinking jugs (or mugs).

The body with finial formed as two addorsed birds' heads with pierced eyes, central vertical raised rib; suspension loop to reverse. 31.9 grams, 71 mm



Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.