Roman Tabular Lead Weight Collection

Comprising a single earring with thick hook closure, folding towards the bottom and ending in a small hoop; teardrop-shaped plaque with ten bezels having cabochon insert garnets; a central garnet cabochon surrounded by smaller garnet cabochons in different hues of red, framed by gold granules, each stone set in a gold cell with filigree collar; the back decorated by fine filigree. 7.4 grams, 33 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.

The use of Roman style jewellery continued in the east also after the fall of the west, especially in the old jewellery production centres like Alexandria and Antioch, giving way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Eastern Empire, jewellery played an important role, expressing rank status and being also used as a diplomatic tool.

Openwork rectangular panel with hare-and-hound motif, two lateral fixing lugs. 19.2 grams, 60 mm



Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.

Comprising a crescent with applied granules to the finials, ribbed loop below with granule supporting a cluster of hollow-formed spheres. 0.76 grams, 17 mm



Acquired London, UK, 1980-2015. From the Abelita family collection.