Roman Oyster Fork

An ellipsoid carnelian gemstone with intaglio figure of Mars wearing a helmet and bearing a cornucopia in one hand and a miniature figure of Victory in the other; set in a later gold ring. 8.93 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Ex Marianne Maspero, 1980. with Pierre Berge & Associes, Paris, France, 16 May 2018, lot 230. English private collection.

Mars was the ancient Roman god of war and agriculture; the majority of his festivals were held in March, when the season for military campaigning commenced, whilst the season for farming ended. Mars symbolised military power as a method for securing peace and stability and was believed a protective father of the Roman people. In Roman mythology, Mars raped Silvia, thus fathering Romulus and Remus, the famous twins suckled by the She-wolf and founders of the city of Rome. The animals most closely associated with Mars are the woodpecker, wolf and bear.

A Roman or Parthian bone figurine of a female with separate articulated bent arms, piled hairstyle, incised facial features, tiered collar, slender body with lattice detailing to the skirt; bronze stud to the shoulders, wire loop earrings with tubular blue glass beads, gold arm-rings; mounted on a custom-made stand. 355 grams total, 21.5 cm including stand

Fine condition.

Previously acquired in 1971. with Gallery Delalande, Paris, France. Property of a Brussels gentleman.

A deep bell-shaped silver bowl with thickened rim and rounded underside. 322 grams, 13.2 cm wide

Usage wear.

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