Roman Coloured Glass Bracelet Group

The hoop recessed and decorated with a simple plait formed with three separate rods; granulated pyramids beneath the square bezel framed with a pelletted band, raised setting with a green glass cabochon. 4.69 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 16.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, USA 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12)



Private collection USA. From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12106-214327.

Previously these rings were generally dated later, however, according to Chadour, the shape is more typical of the 2nd-3rd century A.D. The gem however can also be of later date, because the use of the emerald was more typical of the late empire. The decoration of the shoulders with the plait reminisces Celto-Roman patterns.

With round-section hoop, ellipsoid bezel, intaglio representing a Parthian trader with a child seated. 4.26 grams, 22.90 mm overall, 19.01 x 18.83 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)



UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

Decorated with a high-relief pattern comprising sphinxes surrounded by dolphins and masks of Medusa surrounded by laurel leaves all between Corinthian columns; ropework and floral border strips with laurel leaves above; lip below the upper edge. 20.1 kg, 101.5 cm



Acquired 1970s-early 1990s. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

This item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section are symbols of the outer-world, including gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples. The roundels featuring the head of Medusa, known for her potent gazes that could turn one to stone, was favoured on sarcophagi and architectural ornaments because it was believed that her image would protect those within. The dolphin was considered to ferry the souls of the dead to the afterlife.