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LOT 0702
Imperial Porphyry Slab Section with a Black Xenolith
1ST-5TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
10 5/8 in. (1 kg, 27 cm).
Comprising irregular part of a polished porphyry block of rectangular shape, polished on three sides, with a black xenolith in the main face; probably from recarved material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th century A.D.
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a UK gentleman since the early 1980s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire, the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost some time in the 5th century, and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarrymen, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food.
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 to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1st-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Mixed group of rings including a key ring and nine with decorative bezels. 67 grams total, 21-28 mm
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. -
Roman Bronze Laureate Bust of Bacchus
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Comprising a bust with head turned slightly to the right, wearing a laurel wreath on the brow; hollow to reverse of chest and head cavity filled with lead; acanthus-leaf finial. 203 grams, 87 mm
From the private Swiss collection of Hans Wiedemann, Biel/Bienne, since the 1990s. Ex S.L. Antiquarian Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Acquired from T.B.on the Swiss art market in Basel. Swiss collection Basel-Landschaft. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The laurel wreath in ancient Rome held significant meaning and was a prominent symbol. Traditionally it was awarded to someone who was honoured or who had achieved something notable. It adorned the heads of formidable military leaders and notable poets as a representation of status, victory, and honour. Fashioned from the laurel plant, Romans believed it showcased divine protection, with roots linked to the prophecy of the Delphic Oracle. -
Roman Bronze Bow Brooch
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With chord and pin (now detached) at the head, D-section bow with lateral spurs, collar and swept foot with notched detailing, bulb finial, catch to the reverse. 26.6 grams, 54 mm
Ex important German collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
