Roman Intaglio Gemstone with Wheat

Comprising three full and one partial octagon, each with two concentric rhombuses distinguished by different shades of yellow, white and light red, each with a central red dot; the border above with a band of red triangles; mounted on a reinforced backing board. 59 kg, 151 cm wide including frame



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. 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.11920-207410.

The use of abstract and geometric motifs characterises the mosaic art of the Levant under the domination of Byzantium. Close ties can be identified between these rhomboidal figures with those of some of the famous Lebanese mosaics of Beit el Dine, or the mosaics of Tiberias and Hammat, which represent the last expression of Roman art in that area before the Islamic conquest.

Comprising a variety of items including lead weights, lead plaque inked with 'River Bank'; bronze brooches, coins, rings, mounts and other items, most fragmentary. 1.3 kg total, 1-10.6 cm



Found St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK. Acquired from the finder in 2008. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

Miniature egg-shaped juglet with applied handle and integral foot, mould-blown decoration formed as a medial frieze of scrolling motifs and lines radiating upwards from the base; iridescent surfaces; chipped rim. 17.3 grams, 66 mm high



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