Roman 'Essex' Bronze Lion Military Folding Knife Handle

Modelled in the round with putto-like features, holding a nebris draped over his shoulders in the manner of Dionysus, with tousled hair and pointed ears; one foot absent; mounted on a custom-made stand. 316 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1A 2JB, 1998-2003. with Bonhams, London, Knightsbridge, 16-17 May 2002, no.305. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12052-217493.

The young satyr is covered by a nebris, a deer skin, similar to an aegis, originally worn as an item of clothing by hunters and subsequently attributed to Dionysus. Consequently, it was adopted by his followers in the processions and ceremonies held in his honour, during the liturgical celebrations of the Dionysia. It was commonly worn in the same way as an aegis, tying the two front legs over the right shoulder to allow the body of the skin to cover the wearer's left side (Ovid, Metamorphoses, VI, 593). In ancient works it is seen worn by characters of the Dionysian procession: Maenads, Bacchae, Satyrs, and Sileni.

The banded glass imitating banded agate; intaglio scene composed of a crowned figure standing right, holding a cornucopia and wreath, an eagle standing beside. 2.61 grams, 19 mm



From an early 20th century collection, Caernarfon, North Wales, UK.

The gem appears to represent Zeus with a cornucopia on his right arm and a crown in his left hand, with the eagle, his symbol, at his feet. The eagle has its head turned back, and stands looking up towards him.

Drop earring comprising a single looped shank with pinched ribbing, four seed pearl beads, tightly bound wire finial. 1.73 grams, 34 mm



From the H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, Berkshire, UK, 1990s.