Roman Empress Steelyard Weight

A bronze finger ring with raised ellipsoid bezel, the shoulders decorated with engraved foliage, on the bezel incised in Greek letters the inscription 'ΚΕΡΙ ΚАΛΗ' (written backwards). 4.33 grams, 23.12 mm overall, 21.00 mm internal diameter (approximate size British U 1/2, USA 10 1/4, Europe 23.15, Japan 22)



Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.

The ring corresponds to the 1d type of Hadjadj's classification. The Greek inscription is probably a barbaric interpretation of 'ΚΗΡΙ ΚАΛΗ' (kind-hearted). The Merovingian typology of the ring suggests a late Roman product under the Roman-Barbarian kingdoms of Gaul or the Iberian Peninsula.

A garnet cabochon with intaglio satyr traveller advancing with staff and pouch over his shoulder, set into a later gold finger ring. 8.22 grams, 27.20 mm overall, 22.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11619-199018.

The subject was popular on Roman gems: Silenus and the satyrs, grotesque hedonists, unrestrained in their desire for sex and wine, and yet immortal companions of Dionysus, were considered ‘cruder than men and yet somehow wiser, combining mischief with wisdom, lewdness with skill in music, animalism with divinity'. The counterpoint of the divine and the atavistic appealed to the Roman sense of moral superiority.

A green glass jug with squat body domed shoulder, tubular neck and rolled rim, applied ribbed handle and trail to neck base; iridescent surfaces; rim chipped. 279 grams, 15.2 cm high



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.