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_900x900.jpg "Gnostic Haematite Magical Gemstone")
_200x200.jpg "Gnostic Haematite Magical Gemstone")
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LOT 0094
Gnostic Haematite Magical Gemstone
2ND-5TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (3.81 grams, 24 mm).
Ellipsoid plaque with chamfered rim; obverse: two animal-headed attendants flank a seated figure in profile mounted on a curved barque, with birds, stars, crescents and other items in the field; reverse: enigmatic legend 'XAYYXYXBA / XVXBAR ** / AZIXVCBXI / From the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK. TimeLine 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 TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12224-222410.
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Green Glass Double Balsamarium
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Comprising two parallel tubes joined at the base and sides, each with flared rim and covered with fine glass trails, applied lateral loops to the rim and handle above; iridescent aqua glass; handle absent; accompanied by a group of handle fragments. 175 grams total, 2.3-17.2 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections, primarily before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Gold Ring with Kneeling Soldier Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,040
With flared shoulders and ellipsoid cell, inset carnelian intaglio warrior kneeling on a baseline, Pseudo-Corinthian-style helmet pushed back on the head, spear held in one hand the other touching his ankle. 4.73 grams, 17.88 mm overall, 15.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
Acquired on the European art market in the 1990s. UK collection of a European gentleman.
The type is defined from Ruseva-Slokoska as Eastern Influence, widespread in the 2nd-3rd centuries A.D. The scene possibly alludes to the incident in the Trojan Cycle where Achilles is wounded by an arrow in his heel, the only portion of his body which was not impervious to injury. -
Roman Bronze Tankard Handle with Drunken Putto on Donkey
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising a crescent plaque above with facing mask a a thumb-pad, lateral scrolls; perpendicular D-section bar with ribbing to the outer face; rectangular lower attachment panel with scrolled upper corners, high-relief putto (?) holding a patera in one hand and tankard in the other, riding an ass side-saddle; mounted on a custom-made stand. 318 grams total, 17 cm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
This type of bronze handles are usually depicting mythological scenes. The scene of the putto riding a donkey is often linked to Bacchic processions. The face of the character riding the donkey could also correspond to that of Silenus, who in the same processions is often represented riding such an animal.
