Roman Asclepius Bust Mount

Comprising a single earring with thick hook closure, folding towards the bottom and ending in a small hoop; teardrop-shaped plaque with ten bezels having cabochon insert garnets; a central garnet cabochon surrounded by smaller garnet cabochons in different hues of red, framed by gold granules, each stone set in a gold cell with filigree collar; the back decorated by fine filigree. 7.4 grams, 33 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

The use of Roman style jewellery continued in the east also after the fall of the west, especially in the old jewellery production centres like Alexandria and Antioch, giving way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Eastern Empire, jewellery played an important role, expressing rank status and being also used as a diplomatic tool.

Comprising five pieces in cream, orange, blue and red with painted architectural lines; one with floral decoration and several with border elements. 194 grams total, 51-79 mm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.

Mould-made with convex shoulder separated from the concave discus by a narrow band of triangles and ovules, single groove around the discus, lower filling-hole, burn marks on the nozzle, flat undefined base, discus decorated with the head of Medusa within a laurel. 50 grams, 86 mm

Fine condition.

German collection formed since 1970. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

A Loeschcke VIII variant. The form and decoration suggest a Hadrianic date, at which time Medusa was one of the most popular subjects depicted on lamps. In ancient mythology, Medusa was one of three monstrous winged female creatures who had venomous snakes living in her hair. The story of Medusa is elaborated by the Roman poet Ovid in his Metamorphosis, which explains that Medusa was a beautiful woman until she had sex with Poseidon in Athena’s temple. Athena exacted punishment on Medusa, turning her into a monstrous creature with a glare that turned all who gazed into her eyes to stone. Medusa was eventually beheaded by the Greek hero Perseus, who used her head as a weapon which, even after being hewn from Medusa's body, could turn his enemies to stone. Perseus later presented Medusa's head to the goddess Athena, which she in turn weaponised, placing it on her shield. In classical antiquity, representations of the head of Medusa appeared in the apotropaic device known as the Gorgoneion, designed to ward-off evil and bad luck.