Roman Blue Glass Bead Group

Modelled standing nude in a contorted pose with left arm raised and right hand on the hip, head tilted; mounted on a custom-made stand. 257 grams total, 11.5cm 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.

Rolland (p.104) notes that such grotesque 'pygmy' figures may have been intended as caricatures. They were already produced in Alexandria since the 1st century B.C., and considered to be charms against the evil eye. Beautiful statuettes of this typology are well known from the Roman period, perhaps produced in the workshops of Alexandria, Egypt, on the occasion of the visit of the Emperor Caracalla.

Hollow-formed ceramic oil lamp with two nozzles flanking a low-relief menorah with fronds and bunches of grapes in high-relief; underside with impressed wreath detail. 120 grams, 86 mm



Formerly in North American collection, 1990s. From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N124k39 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12396-225409.

Carved in the round female head from a figurine, with the hair dressed in a chignon and soft facial features, remains of pigment to the hair; drilled and pinned at the neck, chipped. 78.3 grams, 49 mm



Acquired in London, 1988. Private collection, London.