Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Harpocrates

Square-section hoop with spurs to the shoulders, articulated barrel-shank key with voided bit. 4.31 grams, 35 mm



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

Modelled in the round hollow-formed figure of Cupid standing nude emerging from a flower, with dressed curly hair bound into a forelock, small dorsal wings on the shoulders, a recurved bow in his left hand and an arrow supported on his right forearm; looped handles to the rear and stepped base below. 1.79 kg, 19.9 cm



From the collection of J-Ph, Mariaud de Serres, Paris, France, 1990s. Piasa Auctions, 17-18 March 2003, no.584. Private collection, Europe. 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 no.13215-249253. Accompanied by a copy of French passport no.237039.

These prismatic fittings covered the ends of the wooden beams, reinforcing the floor of the undercarriage on both long sides. The heavy and ornate nature of these accessories suggests they were originally attached to a more substantial vehicle such as a pilentum (used to transport aristocrats on state occasions), a carruca (for transporting emperors and aristocratic matrons) or even a thensa (a ceremonial chariot used to transport deities to the imperial games) or a lectica (portable bed for patricii and matronae). Contemporary sources describe ornate inlay, rare woods and metalwork incorporated into these vehicles, and, probably, the present fitting would originally have been gilded.

Slender hoop with median flange to hoop, bezel formed as a rectangle with lateral trapezoidal spurs, raised legend 'IAω'. 1.49 grams, 20.68 mm overall, 15.22 x 13.25 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)



Private collection of Kal Noselson, New York, acquired between 1976 and the late 1990s; thence by descent.

IAΩ (Iao) is the Greek transcription of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the forbidden name of the Hebrew god.