Roman and Other Bead Necklace

Squat jar with concentric rings to the base, flared rim to the mouth three high-relief galley images to the shoulder. 166 grams, 43 mm high



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The vase evokes a scene of maritime or river trade, usually linked to navigation on the Rhine or on the great rivers of Roman Gaul. In particular, the shape of the ship and the three people only half visible on its deck closely resemble the famous relief of the wine merchants of Neumagen-Dhron. The small jar was probably for domestic toilette use.

Modelled in the round, standing nude with one arm raised above the head and the other bent, probably from a larger ensemble of figures; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 104 grams total, 10.9 cm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The figure lacks the small dorsal wings which are normally present on a putto, although the curled locks of hair are typical of the type. During the Roman imperial period, children were widely represented in the art of both the public and private spheres. Images of both mortal and divine children appeared in the artworks and furnishings of the home, on the tomb monuments and burial containers associated with the funerary realm.

Including fragments of rim with pouring lip and other features, one with inked inscription: 'BHM/3 70. US'. 1.6 kg total, 11.4-25.5 cm



Found UK. From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s.