Medieval Stained Glass with Head of a Blond Youth

Rectangular block with high-relief carving to the upper face, comprising two fishes placed side-by-side, one with heavy scale detailing, the other with a bifurcated tail; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 24 kg total, 51 cm wide including stand



Discovered in part of a stone garden wall during demolition. Ex Stamford deceased estate, Lincolnshire, UK. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

The carving style bears similarities to the low-relief carvings on Pictish picture stones, although a close match for the subject matter is absent. A stone recorded at Dunnicaer, Scotland, is carved with a fish symbol but its execution is very sparse and linear in comparison with the heavy detailing of the present piece. See Noble, G., The Problem with the Picts, in Current Archaeology, issue 134, June 2020.

Ellipsoid plaque with incised image of a dove bearing a cross in its beak, on a pounced field with arched clouds. 5.15 grams, 22.11 mm overall, 19.01 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.

Including a knapped flint spearpoint, matchcase, belt-hook, finger ring and other items. 137 grams total, 12-61 mm



Acquired since the 1970s. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.