Roman Arretine Red Slip Terra Sigillata Cup with Rabbits and SEX.M.D. Maker's Mark

The bowl with a wide flat bottom and convex sides; the inside with incised concentric circles; flat handle with raised edges and hooked finial for suspension. 483 grams, 39.5 cm



German private collection, Mr O., collecting in the 1950s-1960s; thence by descent. with Bonhams, London, 7 July 2016, lot 191 (£3,000-5,000). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams printed catalogue pages (full page). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11735-201189.

This vessel was part of Roman and provincial bronze instrumentum domesticum, i.e. culinary or domestic utility ware. Such cooking vessels are rare: some are found in central and northern Italy, in Pannonia, Germany and in Britain. The Aylesford Pan, today in the British Museum (inventory no.1886.1112.1), is one of the most important finds. This specimen (Eggers type 130), probably pre-Caesarian or Caesarian, was found in a grave together with a Celtic bucket and a jug.

Each plano-convex in section in chestnut-tinted glass. 44 grams total, 80-87 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the late 20th century A.D. From the private collection of the late David King (1940-2024), Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK.

Comprising a D-shaped hoop with angled shoulders, raised oval bezel set with a carnelian intaglio bearing the image of a standing stork on a baseline. 3.19 grams, 19.79 mm overall, 18.06 x 11.63 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)



From a Dunmow, UK, collection; formed from 1970.