Roman Period Bronze Ring with Bird

The carinated body with concave upper and convex lower halves, pronounced rib around the equator, shallower ribbing decorating the lower body, slender collared stem and discoid foot. 265 grams, 13 cm high



Acquired on the London art market, 1980-1983.

In the treasure of Bulgar Khan Kuvrat various similar goblets were found, characterised by Greek letters. They were probably part of the booty captured to the Sassanians by the Roman Emperor Heraclius, then transformed in donativa for his ally the Khan Kuvrat. The form has parallels for a wide extension of territory, from the Avar Khaganate until China.

With circular hoop expanding at the shoulders, oval bezel flanked by two bosses; the bezel set with a carnelian gemstone engraved with the winged goddess Victory, dressed in a chiton with overfold, walking on tiptoes to the left and holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and a palm branch in her left. 3.20 grams, 19.78 mm overall, 16.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.

This type derives from a statue by Lysippos and appears on statues, reliefs, coins, and gems for purposes of political propaganda. In some variants on gems, Victory has her foot up on a globe, is seated and wears a helmet, an Erote gives her a palm, or the shield is propped against a trophy, a column or a palm tree.

Small aqua-glass perfume bottle with flared trumpet-shaped mouth, bulbous lower body and applied base. 13 grams, 86 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.