Roman Ribbed Terracotta Jar with Handles

With rounded body and small lateral wings, broad fanned tail with radiating lines and ring-and-dt motifs; mounted on a custom-made stand. 60.7 grams total, 75 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The peacock had a dual symbolism in the Graeco-Roman world. In the pagan world it was the symbol of the goddess Hera (Roman Juno) and represented her beauty and immortality. In the Roman-Christian world it became a symbol of the resurrection of Christ, owing to its yearly moult and regrowth of its spectacular feathers.

With bulbous body and short neck with thickened rim, low foot with concentric circles to base; the re-affixed handle with an actor's mask to the base and incised petals beneath the thumbpad. 563 grams total, 11.7-15 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00050269. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12397-226686.

Model of a bovine astragalus with lead infill and a large central hole. 48.6 grams, 32 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.