Tudor Period Bronze Hook Fastener Group

Pointed outer edge on a rounded loop, bifid knop on either end of the strap bar, surface decorated with stylised vegetal ornaments. 253 grams, 95 mm



Private collection, UK.

These buckles usually have one rectangular and one rounded D-shaped loop on either side of the central bar. During the late 16th and 17th centuries, the range of asymmetrical buckles became wide.

Composed of coin-shaped and tubular beads interspersed with metal spacers, restrung. 31.7 grams, 47.5 cm



Acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. Ex London, UK, collection.

An oval intaglio finely engraved with a classical scene, at the centre a herm upon a plinth, flanked by two figures: the woman on the left wearing a gown with loose drapery falling across her arms, while the figure to the right is shown nude, the body scarcely veiled by a fine transparent cloth; at the far right a sacrificial altar surmounted by a lyre, introducing a musical or poetic dimension to the scene and emphasising its votive character; mounted in an ornate 18th-century French gold fob mount, pierced with scrolling foliate ornament and stamped with duty marks; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 6.60 grams, 25 mm



Acquired on the European art market.

The gem, cut in the 16th century, reflects the Renaissance revival of antique glyptic art, where Roman prototypes were carefully studied and reinterpreted with elegance and precision. The finely executed incision and harmonious arrangement of clothed and unclothed figures highlight the engraver’s technical mastery and antiquarian erudition.