Parthian Silver Horse Harness Pendant Hanger with Face

Single-piece fibula comprising a thick bow with integral coiled spring to one end developing to a sturdy pin; to the other end, a U-section lobed catchplate on a single-coil spring; with detailing to the outer face of the catch. 25.5 grams, 87 mm



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

With low profile and narrow flat base, elaborate handle with crescent-shaped terminal and horizontal ridges below on the facing side; three small evenly placed bosses to the outer rim of the bowl. 153 grams, 13.5 cm



From the collection of a South German artist and art collector, 1960 -1980. Ex Nagel Auktionen, 9 September 2014, lot 223(part). Ancient Resource Auctions, California, USA, 6 February 2016, lot 94A. Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 16.01. Accompanied by a detailed collector's catalogue page including description and photograph. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Comprising a shallow bowl and broad flange rim, two integral scalloped handles with lateral scrolled flourishes, each tapering to a S-curved handle with swan-head terminals with incised eye and beak detailing; perforated whirl within roundel to interior base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand with mirror. 402 grams total, 19.7 cm including stand



with Hôtel des ventes de Belfort Sarl, October 2011, no.16. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. 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 number no.12209-222140. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Elaborate gilded strainers, such as this present example, were used at symposia and festive occasions for the purpose of preventing the dregs of wine from entering the wine cup. This and other related silver utensils became popular in the later 4th and 3rd century B.C. These highly decorated wine strainers were fitted with dual handles forming loops in the shape of twisting animals, here a swan. Usually they took the form of a shallow dish complete with four rings of perforations in the centre in order to drain the wine. Strainers of this type were used to separate out sediments which could be found in the thick Greek wine. Examples similar to this one have been found in royal tombs in northern Greece, as well as the tomb of a monarch in Sudan.