Renaissance Gemstone and Impression Group

Both with two large arched loops for fingers; one with a triangular, the other with a rectangular striking peen; profile formed as a ship with pointed stern and the bow ending in a volute, engraved wave pattern along the hull; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 190 grams total, 18.5 cm wide including stand



German art market, before 2008. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00014409.

These fire strikers represent one of the typical shapes during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were shaped with two bows and were often decorated with a series of ornamental strokes on the side.

A ring dial with two bands open to one side at the centre; the outer surface engraved with measurement points and letters along the open mid section; to the inside, a series of incised lines and numbers for the hours of the day. 15.2 grams, 46 mm



From a UK collection formed in the 1980s. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

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.