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LOT 0725
Large Roman Gaming Dice Pair
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (7.85 grams total, 12 mm each).
Each a cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. [2]
ProvenanceEx Essex gentleman's collection, 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R., The Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Newcastle, 1984, item 2.82.
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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Comprising a deep body with shallow foot, flared rim with a U-shaped spout. 34.5 grams, 74.4 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet with reference no.A92. -
Eastern Roman Silver Ring with Four Bezels
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Of a carinated section with four radiating ellipsoid plaques; incised hatchings to the hoop and plaques. 12.77 grams, 28.71 mm overall, 20.85 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
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Roman Lapis Lazuli Gnostic Gemstone with Aphrodite Anadyomene
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Ellipsoid in plan with enigmatic Greek legend 'BPE/IMW' to underside, facing figure of Aphrodite Anadyomene to obverse on baseline with Greek legend 'APE IAP', possibly an abbreviation for ΑΡ[ΌΡΙΦ]ΡΑ[Σ]Ι[Σ]. 1.38 grams, 17 mm
Private collection, acquired on the German art market in 1993; thence by descent.
The gemstone belongs to a series of blue gemstones, usually of lapis lazuli or blue glass, showing the famous image of Aphrodite Anadyomene ('rising from the sea'). In some of these gemstones, we find the magical word arôriphrasis, which transliterates an Egyptian title of the goddess Hathor as 'The Lady of the Blue Stone'. Since Hathor and Aphrodite were assimilated in Graeco-Roman Egypt, there is some logic to the appearance of the name and Aphrodite on these stones.
