Roman Bone Gaming Die

With broad rounded shoulder, piriform body tapering to a stub foot, cylindrical neck and flared rim with rolled edge, applied twisted green glass handles (one partly absent); slightly iridescent surface. 125 grams, 21.2 cm



Acquired on the UK art market, 1990s. Private collection, New York, USA.

With horse-head finials, each with a punched ring-and-dot eye detailing, a central ring-and-dot motif, a pin and catchplate on the reverse. 8.87 grams, 39 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

Comprising a dark blue layered chalcedony, engraved with the figure of a horse standing beneath a stylised tree, within which perch two birds, mounted in a later gold ring of broad, flat-shouldered form, engraved with floral and scrollwork motifs; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.33 grams, 20.30 mm overall, 17.24 x 16.55 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13366-257910.

Nicolo’s two-tone effect, with its pale upper layer and darker ground, enhances the depth and clarity of the intaglio engraving.