Romano-Egyptian Gold Ring with Duck Intaglio

Comprising two crouching Bastet cat figures, a hare, a fly, and a simplified Anubis. 1.56 grams total, 10-15 mm



with Archaeologia, Switzerland, before 1983. Ex private North American collection. London private collection, 2016.

Comprising: a fragment of a segmentum in white linen and blue wool, D torsion, with remains of a medallion embroidered with architectonical ornaments; fragment of an orbiculus in linen and red, brown, yellow and blue wool, S torsion, embroidered with vegetal patterns and the central images of an animal; a further fragment of an orbiculus in white linen and red, white, black wool, S torsion, embroidered with floral buds, a tetragamma and animals; a beautiful fragment of clavus, purple wool on linen, embroidered with lions catching birds. 67 grams total including package, 10.7-26.6 cm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

Scenes featuring personified animals first appeared during the early Pharaonic period and continued through to the Coptic era. These animals are often featured in scenes of music and dance, or processions linked with Dionysiac iconography.

In the form of a papyrus column, the upper platform pierced through for insertion of a bronze mirror, incised with lotus petals at the top of the shaft and at the base; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 482 grams total, 14.5 cm including stand



with Nicholas Wright, London, UK, 1969. Christie's, London, 14 April 2011, no.128. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12941-243535.

The papyrus stalk was used in the hieroglyphic script for the word 'wadj', meaning 'fresh', making it an appropriate talisman for the preservation of the body.