Post Medieval Brown Glazed Money Box

Featuring a finely carved sardonyx cameo illustrating the Nativity, with the Virgin Mary extending the Christ Child toward the three Magi bearing gifts, while Joseph stands beside her; the family shown emerging from an arched doorway, beneath the Star of Bethlehem; set in a 19th-century high-carat gold mount, probably English in origin. 4.62 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 18.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13334-258013.

The scene is staged horizontally, with the Holy Family at one end and the Magi and their entourage proceeding towards it, essentially unfolding in the foreground in a sort of procession, one behind the other. This was the standard image, although in the Italian School of Renaissance the same scene was often modified according to the vision of Botticelli, who put at the centre the Holy Family.

High-relief bust of a young lady facing right, her curly hair neatly pulled back to a chignon at the nape of her neck, jewelled diadem resting on top of the head; mounted in an unmarked high-carat gold brooch setting dating to the 19th century. 9.59 grams, 30 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

Comprising an openwork metal frame with a loop, set with a dark red glass intaglio with a seated mature man gazing downwards and dressed in voluminous robes. 6.67 grams, 29 mm



UK private collection, acquired on the English art market in the 2000s.