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LOT 0305
Medieval Marble Head of a Demonic Lion
SPAIN, 11TH-13TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/4 in. (610 grams, 94 mm).
Carved in the round with low pricked ears and hatched mane to the rear of the head, broad nose developing between domed lentoid eyes, broad upper lip, open mouth displaying teeth; repaired.
Provenancewith a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.
Private collection, London, UK.
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AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Silver Ring with 'S' Bezel
England or Germany, 15th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
The hoop formed of ten raised bosses and the bezel in the form of a Lombardic letter ’S’. 4.35 grams, 21.25 mm overall, 17.64 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)
Acquired on the European art market.
Decade or rosary rings were used in personal Catholic prayer, similar to rosaries, with each projection representing a Hail Mary, and the bezel (often formed as a cross) for the Our Father prayer. -
Medieval Gold Stirrup Ring with Sapphire
13th-14th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Slender keeled hoop and a high bezel set with a polished sapphire cabochon. 2.24 grams, 23.70 mm overall, 18.14 x 19.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13389-258004.
The style of the ring is known as a stirrup ring due to the resemblance the form has to stirrups on a horse. During the Middle Ages, gemstones were often associated with magical and protective properties that they were believed to possess. Gemstones could protect against evil or poisons, as well as heightening the individual’s characteristics and strengths. Sapphires were frequently worn by Bishops and other clergy due to their ability to promote their bearer’s chastity and piety. Sapphires were believed to be able to change colour if the wearer acted sinfully or lacked faith; it was because of this belief that jewels set with sapphires were worn as symbols of honesty and devout faith. -
Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant
Eastern Europe, circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
The cross with deeply incised linear decoration on both sides and an applied ribbed suspension loop with a domed rivet. 15.4 grams, 46 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
