Roman Rock Crystal Sleeping Dog. 1st-2nd century A.D. Carved in the round model recumbent canine with head resting on the forelegs; leaf-shaped ears and deep-set eyes. Cf. Kozloff, A.P., Animals in Ancient Art from the Leo Mildenberg Collection, Mainz am Rhein, 1981, nos.185-186, for similar images on cameos. 14.2 grams, 40 mm (1 5/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12588-232168. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The small rock crystal sculpture is modelled on similar figures representing sleeping hunting dogs. The subject occurs in cameos, plastic vases, as well as in lamps. These images have symbolic value, implying something of the fidelity of the dogs they depict, as well as their bravery and dependability as guardians.

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