CULTURE MINISTER DEFERS EXPORT OF AN EXQUISITE ROMAN MILLEFIORI ENAMELLED DISC
Culture Minister, David Lammy, has placed a temporary export bar on a beautiful individually crafted Roman Millefiori enamelled disc. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the disc in the United Kingdom.
The Minister's ruling follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, run by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. The Committee recommended that the export decision be deferred on the grounds that the disk is of outstanding significance for the study of Roman millefiori and other enamel work.
The disc is one of just three known large decorative studs, all believed to be from Britain, which represent the finest workmanship in exquisite millefiori enamel inlay. It is thought that these may be fittings from high status horse gear and this disc could pay an important part in the study of such equipment. It is constructed with precision and elegance, retains intact almost all the minutely detailed inlay, and preserves the original colouring.
The decision on the export licence application for the disc will be deferred for a period ending on 19 June inclusive. This period may be extended until 19 August inclusive if a serious intention to raise funds with a view to making an offer to purchase the disc at the recommended price of £2260 is expressed.
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