Roman Style Gemstone with Galley

Showing the Evangelists and the Crucifixion with Saint Mary, Saint John and Saint Longinos on one side with Greek inscription 'STAVROSIS (Η ΣΤΑΥΡΟΣΙΣ = the Crucifixion)' above; the Baptism on the other side with Greek inscription 'VANGELISMOU (Η ΒΑΝΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΥ = the Apparition)' above, evangelists depicted above and below with the angels Gabriel and Michael to the sides. 93 grams, 19.5 cm



Acquired from Portobello Road, London, in the 1980s. Property of a London, UK, gentleman collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The term ‘Dodekaorton cross’ is the most appropriate for this category of crosses and is used in other codices of the post-Byzantine period. These small crosses were used by the Hieromonks for blessings to the faithful and in various processions and liturgies, and were often mounted with frames made of precious materials. The carving of wooden crosses is regarded as an art traditionally practiced by Athonite monks. Ioannis Komninos in 1698 and the Jesuit priest Braconnier in 1706 both refer to the carved wooden pectorals and crosses made by the monks in order to provide themselves with a livelihood.

Anatomical detailing to the carapace, head and legs, underside with twelve lines of hieroglyphic text, replicating the royal scarab of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III (ca. 1390–1352 B.C.), commemorating the construction of an artificial lake for his principal wife, Tiye. 326 grams, 98 mm



From a private, UK, collection in the 1980s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

This is a replica of one of several commemorative scarabs issued by Pharaoh Amenhotep III to celebrate various events. The text reads: Regnal Year 11 under the majesty of Horus, the Strong Bull Appearing in Truth, Two Ladies, Who Established the Laws and Pacifies the Two Lands, Horus of Gold, Strong of Arm who Smites the Asiatics, King of Upper and Lower Egypt Nebmaatre, Son of Re, Amenhotep Ruler of Thebes given life, the great royal wife Tiye, may she live, whose father's name is Yuya and whose mother's name is Tjuyu. His majesty commanded the making of a basin for the great royal wife Tiye, may she live, in her town of Djarukha. Its length is 3700 (cubits) and its width is 700 (cubits.) (His Majesty) celebrated the opening of the lake in the third month of the Akhet season, day 16. The procession of his majesty in the royal barge Aten-Tjehen (literally, 'the dazzling sun disk') was in it.

With flared base, bulbous body and flared neck, circumferential band to the equator, taotie mask to each shoulder with suspension ring, domed lid with stylised dragons; after the antique. 3 kg, 35 cm high



Acquired from the London art market in the 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.