Within weeks of Ed Merrin's splashy purchase, for example, another Cycladic figure was sold privately for $3 million.

In the 1950's he also tried his hand at sculpture, creating semifigurative forms reminiscent of Cycladic figures.

"We purposely chose one of the earliest Cycladic figures to show a relationship with the earlier works," Mr. Ward said.

The Cycladic figure on view was carved about 3000 B.C. before these white marble images became so flattened and abstract.

Crosses, daggers, Cycladic figures, peace symbols, keys and padlocks are all part of the designer's vocabulary.

At the entrance to the room is a huge Cycladic figure representing Jocasta.

If you took all Cycladic figures and laid them down you would sink to your knees.

A 10-inch-tall Cycladic figure in the exhibition was auctioned at Sotheby's in 1987 for $33,000.

One year later, a slightly taller Cycladic figure on view, with an extraordinarily long neck and its left leg broken off at the ankle, brought $93,500.

Sotheby's values the male Cycladic figure at more than $340,000.