Roman Red Jasper Gemstone with Mercury

D-section hoop with flared bezel, set with blue nicolo intaglio bearing a profile bust of a young male wearing a hat, possibly god Mercury. 6.44 grams, 22.32 mm overall, 18.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12817-240728. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Modelled in the round figure of a fledgling with bulbous body and short, stubby wings, head raised to accept food. 133 grams, 46 mm



Found Little Blakenham, Suffolk, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-4991D6. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Modelled in the round standing, wearing a paenula, his two hands holding up the hem to support a pile of fruits on his erect penis; mounted on a custom-made stand. 31.7 grams total, 63 mm including stand



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This is one of the most characteristic representations of Priapus: standing, with long, smooth hair, his head covered by a traveller's pilos (usually made of felt). With his hands he raises his tunic revealing his phallus, a symbol of fertility and good luck, and carries the first fruits of the earth on the hem of his tunic.