Roman Bronze Figure of a Military Eagle

Assorted old blue glass beads restrung to a Y-shape with a crescentic-shaped pendant. 16.1 grams, 50 cm long



UK gallery, early 2000s.

The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate, incorporating elements from different cultural styles.

Ellipsoid bezel with incuse image of Minerva standing helmetted holding spear and shield; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.71 grams, 22.95 mm overall, 19.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman.

Comprising a large edge section with impressed olive tree, with details of branches, fruit and foliage. 87 grams, 17 cm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The representation of an olive tree on this sigillata is not casual. In the early Imperial period the export of the Adriatic olive oil, following the amber road, moved from Aquileia to the provinces of Roman Pannonia. During the 3rd century, the production of the Spanish olive oil reached the Northern Roman provinces. Olives were transported in particular amphorae and served with specific vessels, distinguishing the black olives (olivae nerae) from the white olives (olivae albae).