Tudor and Later Mixed Artefact Group

Discoid with ribbed border and central raised pellet, motif of a winged centaur holding a square shield and a staff(?), foliage motif to the background; pierced three times to the rim. 153 grams, 10.1 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.

This version of a centaur was known as ‘kitovras’, an old Russian version of the word ‘kentauros’. He is typically portrayed with the body of a horse and the torso and head of a man, often featuring prominent wings and wearing armour. Kitovras is best known from a legend, ‘The Tale of Solomon and Kitovras’, in which he is tricked into building the temple for King Solomon. While held in captivity, Kitovras tells Solomon how to obtain the stone needed to build the temple and stays with him through its completion. When Solomon doubts Kitovras’ strength, Kitovras throws him to the edge of the Promised Land, but the king eventually returns and takes back the throne.

Of academic interest, copper-coated lead seal impressions including presentation scenes, hunting scenes, court scenes; one with cuneiform text. 240 grams total, 34-45 mm



Possibly made by the British Museum. From a West Country, UK, private collection.

With long ovoid bowl, square-section shank and broad scooped finial. 61 grams, 19.2 cm



Ex Suffolk, UK, collection.