Roman 'Thames' Decorated Samian Ware Pottery Collection

Comprising: a dolphin head with stylised detailing; swan on discoid base; bird's head with hooked beak; bird standing on polygonal base, curved neck and slightly spread wings; head of another animal, possibly mythical; with a later Byzantine lock-plate with bird standing left. 292 grams total, 20-60 mm



‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.

Modelled in relief with openwork elements, stylised detailing to both figures; hollow reverse. 182 grams, 10.2 cm high



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Hollow cast bronze images of Eros riding a lion are linked to the Eastern Levant and have been found for example in Tamna, probably a Roman import. The importance of the long-distance contacts within the Eastern Mediterranean areas was rapidly reflected in provincial artistic styles, probably as soon as in Hellenistic times, at the beginning of the third century B.C., possibly even earlier. The unquestionable Greek influence led a number of scholars to define three main styles for the bronzes discovered in the eastern Roman provinces: a local type and iconography locally produced, Greek or Roman imports, and Oriental, Hellenistic, or Roman style, locally produced.

A restrung designer necklace composed of graduated beads. 15.7 grams, 68 cm long

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.