Roman Jasper Gemstone with Helmetted Bust

Large fragment of green glass with white swirls and petals, accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 193 grams, 15.5 cm (454 grams total including stand)



Bearing an old collection number '240' on the reverse. Dr Jutaro Kawabe, Nagoya, Japan, assembled during the 1960s-1980s. with Hoshigaoka Gallery until the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13410-258950.

The decoration is well documented in the Eastern Roman Empire, especially the Syro-Palestinian coast. The most frequently occurring colours in these glass mosaics are opaque red, but green and blue tints are not uncommon.

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue, brown and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 953 grams total, 8.9-11.7 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

Including Mercury seated with marsupium, a robed female figure, a boy beating a tree to dislodge fruit, Neptune with trident and other types; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.46 grams total, 8-17 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.