Roman or Later Mosaic Glass Bead

The bowl with a wide flat bottom and convex sides; the inside with incised concentric circles; flat handle with raised edges and hooked finial for suspension. 483 grams, 39.5 cm



German private collection, Mr O., collecting in the 1950s-1960s; thence by descent. with Bonhams, London, 7 July 2016, lot 191 (£3,000-5,000). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams printed catalogue pages (full page). This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11735-201189.

This vessel was part of Roman and provincial bronze instrumentum domesticum, i.e. culinary or domestic utility ware. Such cooking vessels are rare: some are found in central and northern Italy, in Pannonia, Germany and in Britain. The Aylesford Pan, today in the British Museum (inventory no.1886.1112.1), is one of the most important finds. This specimen (Eggers type 130), probably pre-Caesarian or Caesarian, was found in a grave together with a Celtic bucket and a jug.

Restrung designer necklace string of tubular, polyhedral and other types with pendant centrepiece. 21.77 grams, 35 cm



London, UK, collection, 2000s.

With D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders to snake's heads supporting oval bezel with indented sides; later large agate intaglio engraved with a standing figure of Mars (Ares) wearing a Corinthian helmet and holding spear and shield. 12.92 grams, 26.20 mm overall, 16.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)



Property of a private collector; acquired before 1975.