Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Dionysos

Cushion-shaped greenish-blue intaglio engraved with a large crescent moon and star. 1.05 grams, 10 mm



Formerly in a private collection of an European lady, 1970s-1980s. Private collection, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13305-257800.

Basaltic sapphires used by the Romans came from surface deposits in northern Ethiopia, which were already known and productive in ancient times. This hypothesis is supported by comments by Pliny the Elder (23–79 A.D.) and Solinus (early 3rd century A.D.), both of whom referred to gems from Ethiopia named ‘hyacintos’, which is generally accepted in archaeology to be the ancient name of sapphire. The moon and stars have been, since the 4th century BC, symbols of the city of Byzantium and were also linked with Spartan military culture.

Discoid type with incuse design of a bull's head with a bird perched on each horn, ewer between; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.82 grams, 13 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

Bow brooch formed as a horse modelled in the round with a halter to the neck; fore-legs forming the catch, rear legs with a transverse bar and hinged pin beneath. 14.9 grams, 28 mm



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