Roman and Other Bead Necklace

A gold ring composed of a flat-section hoop with decorative channelling, oval bezel with granulated border, set with a flat-top polished garnet gemstone. 0.99 grams, 16.41 mm overall, 14.20 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F 1/2, USA 3, Europe 4.3, Japan 4)



Acquired 1970-2000s. Ex Abelita family collection.

A Roman or Parthian bone figurine of a female with holes to accept pegs for separate articulated arms, hatching to the piled hairstyle, incised facial features, tiered collar, slender body with drape detailing to the bodice, belt and skirt; pierced ears to accept earrings; mounted on a custom-made stand. 214 grams total, 18 cm including stand

Fine condition.

Family collection since the 1960s. with Christie's, London, 29 April 2010, lot 373. Property of a Brussels gentleman. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.

The doll was made of a carved bone figure of woman with separate arms attached to the body, and pieces for the ears. All the surface shows extensive marks of working by a saw, knife or a file. The body is made from bone, and the style of the doll is typical of Roman Britain. The separate parts were attached with pins or string. On the doll are still visible the little holes for the connecting string.

A bronze appliqué formed as the head of Minerva (Greek Athena) wearing a tall helmet with scooped brow-band and lobed ends developing to wings with radiating feather detailing; facing mask with finely detailed eyes and mouth, hanks of flowing hair connecting to the ends of the wings. 23.2 grams, 39 mm



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11626-199003.