Western Asiatic Ornate Gold Bead

D-section hoop with a raised boss at the base, foliate decoration on the shoulders, and a tall oval bezel with a calligraphic inscription. 12.78 grams, 26.88 mm overall, 18.13 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Diorama on a L-shaped base depicting a ram standing with a shackle to one foreleg attached to a stub pillar, bowl by the forelegs, kneeling kilted male to the side with a pot on his lap, hands clasped, mouth open; attachment lugs to the underside. 155 grams, 58 mm wide



Property of a London gentleman; in the family collection since the 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13311-258232.

According to some scholars, the ram should be considered a symbol of farreh, an important Iranian concept sometimes translated as ‘glory’ or ‘charisma’ that mythical kings needed to rule and heroes to defeat their enemies.

Featuring a tubular, ridged centre bead with triangular granulated projection above and below. 0.48 grams, 11 mm



From a late Japanese gentleman's collection, formed 1970s-2010. Accompanied by a previously illustrated catalogue card with provenance.