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Home > Auctions > Starting 2nd December 2025 > Roman Rock Crystal Sleeping Dog

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LOT 0895

Estimate
GBP (£) 2,500 - 3,500
EUR (€) 2,890 - 4,050
USD ($) 3,350 - 4,690

Opening Bid
£1,250 (EUR 1,446; USD 1,674) (‡+bp*)

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Bids: 0
ROMAN ROCK CRYSTAL SLEEPING DOG
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (14.2 grams, 40 mm).

Carved in the round model of a recumbent canine with head resting on the forelegs; leaf-shaped ears, and deep-set eyes.

PROVENANCE:
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12588-232168.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Kozloff, A.P., Animals in Ancient Art from the Leo Mildenberg Collection, Mainz am Rhein, 1981, nos.185-186, for similar images on cameos.

FOOTNOTES:
The small rock crystal sculpture is modelled on similar figures representing sleeping hunting dogs. The subject occurs in cameos, plastic vases, as well as in lamps. These images have symbolic value, implying something of the fidelity of the dogs they depict, as well as their bravery and dependability as guardians.

CONDITION
VETTING:
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AUCTIONS:
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