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LOT 1550
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror Handle
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (92 grams, 11.2 cm).
Handle for a hand-mirror formed as a large ring finial, two loops connected by a gussetted oblate bar, upper end developing to a volute scroll with symmetrically placed discs; La Tène design with swept curves throughout. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Tassinari, S., La vaisselle de bronze, Romaine et Provinciale, au musée des antiquités nationales, Paris, 1975, fig.20, for type; similar though less ornate example in the British Museum under accession no.1981,0504.1.
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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Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror Handle
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Handle for a hand-mirror formed as a large ring finial, two loops connected by a gussetted oblate bar, upper end developing to a volute scroll with symmetrically placed discs; La Tène design with swept curves throughout. 92 grams, 11.2 cm
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. -
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Carved in the round as a male head with triangular chin and jaw, broad square brow, lentoid eyes, reserved scrolled ears; mounted on a custom-made stand. 5 kg total, 22 cm high 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.
The cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror Handle
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Two fragments from a decorative mirror handle comprising a portion of the shank formed as two loops joined by a transverse disc, and a bifacial finial with volute scroll enclosing three domed discs (reversed and three round sockets for enamelled studs (obverse). 132 grams total, 46-67 mm
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.
