Post Medieval Coral Memento Mori Janus Chaplet Bead with Head of Christ and Skull

Narrow hoop forked at the shoulders and supporting an oval open-backed setting with a slightly convex orange carnelian intaglio depicting the head of Papposilenus facing, wearing a wreath on his bald head, long beard and open mouth; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.31 grams, 21.59 mm overall, 18.67 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)

There is a stable internal fissure within the intaglio.

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.13317-257960.

The image, derived from Graeco-Roman mythology, represents Papposilenus, a semi-bestial figure with a round face dominated by a thick, unkempt beard and a completely bald head. The subject depicted is the eldest Silenus (the meaning of his name) and the wisest of Dionysus’s retinue; indeed, the infant Dionysus was entrusted to his care.

Long loop of biconical dark amber coloured beads. 262 grams, 119 cm



Private collection, London, UK.

Hollow-formed with pie-dish bezel and inset cameo. 3.17 grams, 21.26 mm overall, 17.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

The cameo is Italian and carved in the classical style of the 2nd century AD, although it dates to the 18th century. Her hair is tied back, and she is wearing a double-banded diadem. The agate displays a deep umber hue, with the bust depicted in light bluish white with highlights of light caramel. In the late 18th century, interest in the classical world became exponentially high, and demand became great for objects from or relating to the ancient world. The high-carat gold ring dates to the late 18th century; there is a small dent to the shoulder of the band.