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LOT 0557
Eastern Roman Bronze Dragon Head Finial
LATE 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 in. (17 grams, 51 mm).
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, probably a ladle finial.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Inscribed Orange Sardonyx Gemstone with Philosopher Seated Under a Tree
1st century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
The oval stone engraved with an old man (a philosopher?) seated on a stone, wearing a low cap, half naked and with the cloak covering his leg; his right hand resting beside him, and his left hand raised in the act of speaking; a tree behind, inscription in Greek letters 'ψίω' (= eat). 1.01 grams, 13 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
A particularly recognisable representation in Graeco-Roman art was that of a male character, with a bald head and a slightly pointed beard, seated in profile on a simple seat or on a rock. It represents the philosopher, who often has his hand raised in the gesture of speaking or holds a volume in his hands, characterised according to the rules of cynicism, by the bare torso and the cloak that covers his legs. The inscription refers to the imperative to 'feed' on knowledge. -
Roman Bone Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
Each with ring-and-dot spots arranged: 1:6; 2:5; 3:4; 1:6; 2:5; 3:4. 8.85 grams total, 13-14 mm
Acquired on the German art market around 2000s. From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Bronze Mouse Nibbling a Nut Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £167
Modelled with naturalistic detailing on all fours nibbling a nut held between the forepaws, tail curled upwards across the back. 22.4 grams, 29 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.