Tibetan Glass Necklace Prayer Bead Group

Comprising a portion of the silver-coloured metal rim; rim with vine tendrils, leaves and bunches of grapes modelled in high-relief and extending into the bowl; base with a ring of right-facing male profile busts each within a pelletted hoop, and border of larger pellets below; underside abraded. 152 grams, 22.5 cm



From the London collection of the late Mr S.M., 1969-1999.

Formed as a hand showing figa gesture, silver mount with applied twisted wires; attachment loop and ring to the top. 19.6 grams, 56 mm



Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

Mano Fico, as protective amulets have been used since the ancient world, it was believed to protect from the evil eye and other dark and magical forces and to promote fertility. In ancient Rome, the fig sign, or mano fico, was made by the pater familias (father of the family) to ward off the evil spirits of the dead as a part of the Lemuria ritual. The ancient Greeks wore amulets of the gesture around the neck to protect from the evil eye, and also used the gesture in artwork. What they considered an overtly sexual gesture was expected to distract evil spirits from causing harm. The pendant would have been worn from a belt or from a chatelaine containing other protective talismans. This carving would have served as a token representing a person's pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, one of the very few places in which jet can be found and mined since at least the Middle Ages.

Incuse motif of serpent-legged rooster facing left holding a shield and solar whip; enigmatic agical inscriptions surrounding; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.41 grams, 23 mm



Collection of Mr and Mrs V.A., Monte Carlo, 1960s. Acquired on the European art market. Private collection, England.