Roman Terracotta Piriform Storage Vessel

Modelled in the round, Venus standing nude with hands raised to dress her hair; dorsal pillar pierced at shoulder height for suspension. 4.9 grams, 40 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The iconography of Venus Anadyomene was one of the most commonly used images of the goddess in classical sculpture, and was still popular during the late Roman Empire. The best example of this is the Louvre Venus Anadyomene (Ma 3537) of the 4th century A.D., found in the 19th century at Saint George de la Montagne near Bordeaux, inside a rich aristocratic house and coming from Aphrodisias, an ancient place of statuary production for export.

Sculpted as a panther with head turned on its long muscular neck, mouth open and teeth bared; highly polished finish; mounted on a custom-made stand. 758 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



Previously acquired from a USA collection, 1980s. Ex private German collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12082-213586.

With a later inset jasper cloison, intaglio advancing bull motif. 8.62 grams, 26.05 mm overall, 20.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired between the 1960s-early 1990s. From an old UK private collector from Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Property of K.P., a Cornish lady collector, UK.