Roman Bronze Statue Hand

Orangey-red intaglio with a concave front and flat back, depicting the three-quarter bust of Serapis; displaying a tightly curled beard, shoulder-length wavy hair with a central parting brushed up from the forehead, wearing the characteristic calathus (woven basket or corn-measure) headgear, symbolising fertility; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.47 grams, 14 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god combining the Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis, but with a decidedly Greek appearance. He was promoted by Ptolemy I in the 3rd century BC to help unite the Greek and Egyptian people. Later, Ptolemaic rulers spread his worship, and Serapis became popular across the Roman Empire. Outside Egypt, he was often identified as Isis's partner, replacing Osiris. Over time, he also adopted traits associated with the Greek gods, Hades and Dionysus.

Mould-blown bottle comprising a flat-based tubular body and short neck with returned flange rim. 94.2 grams, 14 cm



From an important London collection of glass, 1990s.

Most of similar examples of Roman bottles have been found in the Eastern Mediterranean. Earliest examples have been found in Roman Lusitania (Pombalinho-Santarem). The type lasted until the 4th century A.D. (Samaria-Sebaste, Israel).

Cloison with incuse gorgoneion in three-quarter view; set into a later gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.70 grams, 20.93 mm overall, 17.52 x 15.50 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)



Private collection, England.