Roman Glass Bead Necklace String

Mainly cuboid in form, some embedded in concrete matrix. 182 grams total, 8-29 mm



From the collection of a late East Anglian teacher and antiquarian who retired to the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, UK. He amassed a large collection of objects between the 1960s-1980s.

Comprising a rounded lamp with carinated body and elongated nozzle emerging from a lotus flower, a dolphin perching on top of one of the petals, the nozzle formed as an eight-pointed star with projecting knobs; a raised Chi Rho symbol to both sides of the body and a hinged lid to the top; the upcurving handle formed as a gryphon head emerging from the stem of a lotus flower, the gryphon holding a round object in its open beak, the mane formed of four spikes topped with spheres, carrying a Chi Rho topped with a dove between its ears; later modified to mount on a balustered tripod stand with lion's paw feet, reel-shaped drip tray and a tapering pricket to accept the lamp. 4.21 kg, 47 cm high



German art market. European private collection, 1970s-early 2000s. Acquired from the above; thence by descent. Private collection, London, UK. 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 number no.12347-225589.

Aqua-green glass with piriform body and dimpled base, gently tapering tubular neck with flat rim. 73 grams, 34.5 cm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.