Roman Blue Glass Bead Necklace String

Moulmade with large handle; squat pear-shaped body, open discus with large central filling hole surrounded by two rows of radiating lines and ridge that forms a narrow channel to the nozzle; base decorated with a stylised Chrismon. 78 grams, 94 mm



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 type belongs probably to a variant of so-called Late Ephesian Lamps, i.e. lamps of Asia Minor. Late Ephesian type lamps have very characteristic underbodies. Several examples have an impressed circular mark, for example a cross formed of four vertically placed small circles with two more placed horizontally, or a Chi Rho, like in this example.

Comprising a keeled hoop forked at the shoulders to form two elegant scrolls supporting the raised bezel, decorative grooves framing the garnet cabochon. 8.16 grams, 23.85 mm overall, 19.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Acquired from London galleries during the 1990s. From the jewellery collection of a London, UK, gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12114-214295.

The type of ring seems to date (with the volutes on the shoulders) to the late 2nd-early 3rd century A.D., although the model is certainly derived from the Hellenistic world. The use of carnelian and garnet was abundant in Hellenistic and Roman rings, and the style of the rings continued without change in the Roman Hellenised east.

Modelled in the round with one leg extended, head turned, two small dorsal wings. 115 grams, 57 mm



Found UK. 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.