Roman Rock Crystal Casket Lid

Plate brooch formed as a leaping lion, with raised tail and detailed face, notched edge to mane and tail; spring, pin and catch to reverse. 7.87 grams, 42 mm



Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.

The lion brooch of flat metal in low relief shows remarkable uniformity of artistry, technique, workmanship and construction with Eagle and Hare brooches. Both categories can be dated to the 2nd century A.D. and both have typically Celtic craftsmanship within minimal simple lines. They were probably a product of Romano-British workmanship

Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio profile female bust. 0.41 grams, 9 mm



From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1970s onwards. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Based on similarities with coins and sculptures, the gemstone could date to the Late Hellenistic or Early Roman period. These similarities can be seen in the strongly marked lines of the dress, the pronounced shape of the mouth, and the squareness of the nose.

A decorative fitting with roaring mouth and protruding fangs and tongue, the whiskers depicted in raised radiating ridges, with lidded, elongated almond-shaped eyes and small, round ears; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.11 kg total, 17.5 cm including stand



with Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.58. Donati collection, Lugano, prior to 1982. Collection of Banca della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, prior to 1986. Formerly in the Bourgknecht collection, Switzerland. Accompanied by Art Loss certificate no.S00123227.

This head was probably, as was the parallel head of the Barberini Tomb, originally attached to a magnificent bronze cauldron. These large cauldrons of hammered bronze were realised with heads and necks of two lions and two gryphons attached to the rim. The cauldrons were spherical in form and rested on a stand.