Roman Bronze Sitting Dog

Composed of a convex hoop with expanding angled shoulders, oval bezel set with carnelian cameo gemstone carved with the head and face of Eros with pinched features and centrally-parted hair; a marriage. 7.09 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 17.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

This ring belongs to the typology of gold rings with gem (Type II, Variant I) of Ruseva-Slokoska classification.

Composed of a decoratively twisted slender stem with onion knop finial and roughly D-shaped neck formed as the arched neck of a horse, the restored oval bowl bearing a Latin inscription '[V]IVASINDEO' to the interior, the underside gently carinated. 13.5 grams, 13.4 cm



Ex Garcia collection, France, 1990s-2000s.

According to the British Museum, the inscription corresponds to the phrase 'Vivas in deo', meaning 'May you live in God'. This inscription was common in the Roman Empire and especially in Roman Britain after the advent of Christianity. A small Roman silver disc, thought to have been part of a signet ring, dated to 4th-5th century and found near Swaffham, is inscribed 'Antonius, may you live in God (Antoni, vivas in Deo)'. It is highly possible that our spoon, if a liturgical object, was used to administer Holy Communion.

Each figure modelled separately in the round; the horse standing with one foreleg raised at a right angle, simple stylised head detailing; the rider modelled seated with one leg either side of the horse, one arm extended above the head, the other held forwards, stylised facial detailing. 35 grams total, 39-45 mm



Acquired on the EU art market around 2000. From the collection of North American gentleman.