Roman Glass Bead Necklace

Formed free-standing with stylised anatomical detailing; including one example on a base. 47 grams total, 22-33 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Displaying figures at a banquet (symposium) in relief, reclining on couches and being attended by servants; a centaur on the right; repaired. 358 grams, 30 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Possibly part of a flanged rectangular vessel, like some specimens found in Cilicia. The presence of a centaur in the scene could evoke the famous mythological fable of the centaurs at the banquet of the Lapiths, when the latter, together with the Athenian hero Theseus, offended by the immoral behaviour of the centaurs who had attempted to kidnap the women, slaughtered them all.

An extremely rare aulos or tibia with round-section body, six circular holes to one side and a D-shaped hole to the reverse. 87 grams, 23 cm

Fine condition. Extremely rare.

From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed early 1960s-1990s. 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.11055-184396.

The flute was used for religious ceremonies and for entertainment. The pyrrhic, a war dance of Doric origin, was a rapid dance to the double flute, and made to resemble an action in battle.