Medieval Pottery Group

Carved in the half-round with a frieze composed of interlaced foliage with two rows of acanthus leaves and foliage scrolls, framing a lion's head on one side and a human head on the other, remains of lion's mane to the third; drilled holes to the raised surfaces and sockets for the insertion of decorative stones. 30 kg, 33.5 cm



Acquired from Antoine Boccador-Lieveaux, 2005. Ex central London gallery. 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.11739-202053.

The iconography of this capital is probably associated with the biblical story of Daniel in the lion's den. Capitals like this were part of an extensive decorative program which characterised Spanish and the French churches especially in the late 12th century A.D., with the advent of the Cistercian style. Foliate capitals ornamented the churches of Las Claustrillas, Aguilar, Gama, and other Christian sites of Southern France and Northern Spain. Capitals decorated with similar acanthus foliage can be found in churches in Burgundy, for instance at Avallon, Vezelay, and Donzy-le-Pré. However, figurative elements of the old Romanesque art also persisted.

Comprising complete and fragmentary badges, including: the head of Thomas Beckett wearing a mitre; miniature ampulla with loop handles; openwork rosette within a circle; possibly flaming heart; foliate lozenge faming a central flower. 11.2 grams total, 15-39 mm



Found Thames foreshore spoil, 1980s.

Including a glazed tripod vessel with twin handles, a glazed pouring pot with handle; a vessel with scalloped rim and handle, unglazed. 1.97 kg total, 16-25 cm wide



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