Phoenician Stone Scaraboid

In silk and wool from a tunic or wall hanging, comprising: (i) a corner fragment of a tapestry showing two soldiers hunting, one with a cross traced as deigmaton on the round shield and a semi-spatha (sword) in his right hand, both dressed in Gothic tunics of green and off-white colour, black trousers and red sagia, escaping animals surrounding; (ii) a long segment (clavus) with a hunting scene comprising a cavalryman in green mantle, off-white tunic, shield and sword, a Nubian servant in exomis and holding a shield, chasing wild horses, antelopes, goats and hares, a third horseman half-visible on the right. 8 grams total, 19-26 cm

Fair condition. Rare.

Hermann Historica, Germany, auction 67, part of lot 2025. Property of a Kensington gentleman. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato of which this is a part. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.10681-174371 (part).

Tabby technique on linen and wool. It is highly probable that this tapestry was part of a tunic decoration, the clavus (ii) running vertically on the breast; the corner fragment (i) forming the lower hem of the tunic. The representation of military characters, the red colour of the background, and the hunting parties – often associated with military training– indicate the likelihood that these are fragments from the military tunic of a high-ranking officer.

With a standing female (a goddess?) praising a falcon-headed god, both facing right; displayed in a membranous frame. 24 grams total, 70 x 70 mm including case



From a Spanish collection, formerly with a German dealership in the 1980s.

Openwork faience wedjat pendant with suspension loop above and slender frame. 0.78 grams, 21 mm



Acquired 1970s onwards. Private collection of Michael O'Hara, Cambridgeshire, UK.