Roman Stone Palette and Bone Implement Group

Spherical in profile with flat base, large raised concentric circles in two bands with smaller similar motifs between; separate balustered neck. 310 grams total, 40-66 mm



Acquired in London in 2002. European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12686-234678. 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.

This is a rare type of Roman vessel, dated to the late Imperial period, between the late 3rd and 4th century A.D. The closest known parallel is a near-identical example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, which retains its original chain attachment and suspension holes at the shoulder. Such vessels were likely sealed with a perishable stopper and intended for storing or transporting perfumes or cosmetic oils.

The eagle modelled in the round standing on top of a large head of a stag with curving antlers touching the bird's wings, the eagle with its legs held apart and its long talons spread across the head, the wings slightly raised and the head turned to the right whilst gazing down towards the stag; detailed plumage; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 544 grams, 97 mm (621 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)



Acquired in 1997 from a Canadian dealership. From a North American gentleman's collection. 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.

The motif of an eagle and a stag or a deer is typically associated with the God Jupiter/Zeus Dolichenus and his wife Juno Dolichena, name derived from his sanctuary in Doliche, Anatolia. Jupiter Dolichenus was a soldier god, usually portrayed wearing full military attire and standing on a bull, while his consort would have been shown standing on a deer or stag.

Comprising: a fragment of a glass pendant with impressed image of an advancing lion, crescent moon above; a conical agate intaglio with a profile of theatre mask; an oval carnelian intaglio with a dove holding an olive branch; a jasper intaglio with standing Asclepius holding a snake-staff. 4.35 grams total, 10-17 mm



Norfolk family collection, 1940s-1960s; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.