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LOT 0553
Graeco-Roman Bronze Cup
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 5/8 in. (143 grams, 93 mm).
Drum-shaped body with a slightly convex base. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx London, UK, collections, 1990s-2000s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. similar cup in Istenič, J., Roman Stories from the crossroads,Ljubljana, 2015, p.63.
FootnotesThe small cup could belong to the typology of drinking vessels called mastos or cymbè. This denomination seems to have been derived from the inhabitants of the island of Paphos, with reference to the simple spherical vessels. Pollux mentions these vessels together with other cups, the phiale and the kumbion.
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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Eastern Greek Bronze Ring with Gryphon
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Narrow hoop, scaphoid bezel with intaglio advancing gryphon motif. 1.40 grams, 21.04 mm overall, 18.91 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Parthian Bronze Batillum with a Reclining Banqueteer Holding a Skyphos and Rhyton
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,000
Comprising a square base with a raised border and supported by four stub feet, each originally surmounted by poppy-head finials (one now absent); a hollow-formed figure of a banqueteer reclining elegantly with his weight resting on his left elbow, his proper right leg drawn up beneath the folds of a finely pleated robe; in his right hand, a ram’s head rhyton and his left hand cradling a skyphos; his bearded head with a laurel wreath. 1.58 kg, 25 cm
Private New York collection, formed in the 1960s. Acquired on the North American art market, 1990s. with Cahn Auktionen AG, Basel, Switzerland, 13 November 2015, no.84 (CHF 18,000). Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12379-226873. 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 composition reflects the iconography of elite banquet culture in the ancient world, capturing both refinement and ritual in a single expressive figure. The Greek 'συμπόσιον' 'symposium' was the later part of a formal banquet which took place after the food had been consumed, when the serving of strong drink was accompanied by music, dancing, poetic composition or recital or earnest conversation. The custom has similarities with the Roman convivium and with the customs of many Mediterranean and Western Asiatic people. The Parthian Empire was culturally diverse and included many Hellenic groups; the Arsacid court adopted a range of aspects of contemporary Greek culture, among them Greek military structures and the Greek language as a lingua franca alongside the Parthian (Iranian) language and Aramaic. -
Greek Alabaster Pyxis
Mid 1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £400 - 600 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Barrel-shaped in profile with flared foot, broad shoulder and gusseted neck, flange to the mouth; knop handle to lid. 168 grams, 68 mm
Collection Mr. K. Ex collection Mr. H, acquired in Switzerland in the early 2000. Private collection, 2010. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
