Phoenician Terracotta Jug with Handle

Formed as a domed disc pendant with openwork cross and central hole; triangular bale above, three loops below each with a crotal bell attached; mounted on a custom-made stand. 86 grams (134 grams), 11.9 cm(14.5 cm)



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The round element represents the four-spoked wheel of a chariot, typical of the Bronze Age. The motif has been interpreted as solar symbolism since this period. The circularity between solar cosmologies—symbolic wheel/solar vehicle/functional chariot—was deeply ingrained since at least the 15th century from North Europe to Aegeaum, and continued in the early Iron Age.

With hollow-form hoop widening towards the shoulders, raised bezel set with a round intaglio, engraved with an image of a satyr or kneeling nude warrior on a baseline, wearing a Boeotian-style helmet pushed back, holding a spear in one hand and an object in the other; a marriage. 2.91 grams, 23.57 mm overall, 19.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2 , USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



From a private family collection formed since the early 19th century, thence by descent. Property of a New Zealand legal professional. 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.12322-223716.

The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only part of his body which was not impervious to injury.

Formed with pinched stub arms and a pinched head crowned with a headpiece; remains of geometric detailing in painted pigment; repaired. 122 grams, 18 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.