Post Medieval Gold Tie Pin of Aquarius

Comprising: a nimbate figure of Mary, dressed in voluminous robes, arms crossed at the chest and pierced through the edges; a nimble figure of John wearing voluminous robes, gazing down with a solemn expression on his face, hands clasped at the waist, pierced through the edges. 57.2 grams total, 61 mm each



Private collection, UK.

Modelled in a half-seated pose, gazing upwards with compact body, broad forequarters, the mane rendered in long, parallel strands; the tail emerging from underneath the body and resting diagonally on top of the neck. 855 grams, 96 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

The treatment reflects the continuation of late Gothic conventions within German workshops, while also aligning with the more classicising tendencies found in North Italian bronze production of the period. The anatomical structure is simplified yet purposeful, characteristic of functional or cabinet bronzes produced across central Europe in the sixteenth century. Its scale and form correspond to small bronzes intended for Kunstkammer settings or as elements within larger composite objects such as inkstands or caskets, where the lion served as an emblem of vigilance, authority, and learned taste.

Comprising a colourful mix of cylindrical and spherical beads, including some millefiori examples. 454 grams total, 18-32 mm



From the family collection of a Hampstead gentleman; formerly acquired in the 1980s.