Medieval Bronze Signet Ring with Winged Griffin

Formed with a U-shaped bowl, tapering cylindrical stem and domed discoid foot, the body exterior displaying clusters of vertical ribs alternating with columns of pellets; mounted on a custom-made wooden display base. 750 grams, 12 cm high (890 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.

The chalice is the most important liturgical object used in Christian worship, and for centuries it has been given a central place on the altar. Its form directly references the vessel used by Christ during the Last Supper when, according to the Gospel of Matthew (26:27-28) he ‘took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to [his disciples], saying: Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’ Since the moment of transubstantiation is believed to occur while the chalice is filled with the Communion wine, such vessels have historically been created using the richest, most precious materials available to the church and its craftsmen.

With fluted shoulders and scooped edges to the bezel, pointillé border and Greek monogram of a cross with 'MHNλ' finials. 6.72 grams, 21.82 mm overall, 18.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2 , USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Including a jar with scalloped foot, a piriform juglet, footed pot with handle, small jar with remaining handle, likely bird water feeder and a stamped tripod dish; most glazed; most chipped or cracked. 3.3 kg total, 10-18 cm



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

The salt-glazed stoneware jugs, like some of the specimens here presented, had a distinctive pitted ‘orange-skin’ surface. These tall jugs often have grooves around their bodies to support them during the high-temperature firing which was necessary to achieve the hard fabric. First imported into Britain in the early 14th century stone wares became common in the 16th and 17th centuries. Most came from production centres in the Rhineland, notably Cologne, Frechen, Langerwehe, Raeren and Westerwald.