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LOT 0364
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
8 5/8 in. (5 kg total, 22 cm high including stand).
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. [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. Petch, M., Celtic Stone Sculptures, London, 1989, fig.1, for type.
FootnotesThe cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck.
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 British Celtic Brigantes Bronze Enamelled Box Fitting
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Possibly the end-panel of a wooden casket, with champ levé enamel scrolls flanking a central palmette within a rectilinear border; Chris Rudd says: 'The S-shaped scroll either side of the central palmette motif is reminiscent of the S-shaped scrolls seen on Lindsey Scyphate gold quarter staters (ABC 1770, 1773), struck by the Corieltavi, close neighbours of the Brigantes.' 37.7 grams, 57 mm
Found North Yorkshire, UK. Ex Chris Rudd collection, Norfolk, UK; formed since the 1970s. Collection number CE26. Accompanied by a Chris Rudd information card.
Chris Rudd has collected ancient coins and antiquities since the 1940s. As an amateur archaeologist he found many himself at Badbury Rings, Dorset, 1952-53. He also dug at Hod Hill with Professor Sir Ian Richmond and at Wroxeter with Dame Kathleen Kenyon and Dr Graham Webster. Today he is best known as a Celtic coin dealer. His catalogues have been described as ‘an important research source’ by Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe and ‘treasure houses of delight’ by Dr Anne Ross. Coins and artefacts associated with Chris Rudd – as a collector, dealer and valuer – can be seen in The British Museum and other museums. This collection was formed since the 1970s. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Votive Axe Pendant
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With spherical body, integral suspension loop and curved blade. 17.1 grams, 35 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. -
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.