Roman Bronze 'Astragalus' Knuckle Bone Gaming Piece

Depicted nude in contrapposto pose, his weight on his right leg, the left leg flexed and advancing; the hair and beard formed as a dense mass of curls; a full beard complementing his luxuriant curls; slender, muscular body with defined anatomical details; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 384 grams total, 15.5 cm high including stand



with Münzen und Medaillen AG, Basel, 02.1976, lot 51. Acquired in Europe in 2017. Accompanied by copies of relevant pages of Münzen und Medaillen AG. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11792-206488.

The prototype of Zeus Brontaios, or Zeus the Thunderer, has been attributed to a Greek original by sculptor Leochares, c. 370-360 B.C. The statue was realised by Leochares to celebrate the founding of Megalopolis, in 371 B.C. The god would have held a sceptre in his left hand and cradled his thunderbolt in his right.

With flange rim to the ellipsoid bezel, inset banded agate gemstone, intaglio Theseus standing nude with a sword. 3.79 grams, 24.29 mm overall, 21.62 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11862-206980.

Tall thin translucent pale green vessel with wide base and flared rim. 15 grams, 15.5 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.