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LOT 0806
Large Roman Glass Roundel with Cupid
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (10.4 grams, 29 mm).
Pale yellow domed disc showing nude Cupid in a dynamic pose, holding a bow in his hand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. similar figure on glass in Antonaras, A., Ancient Glass in the J.Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 2025, p.175 (Dionysian procession).
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 Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 36.2 grams total, 13-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Mainly composed of black and brown beads with some facetted beads, the central feature composed of three large later beads; restrung. 23.2 grams, 37.7 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection. -
Fragment of a Large Roman Gnostic Gemstone with Inscription to the Reverse
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Bifacial fragment with incised border; Side A - upper body of standing figure with arms raised beside nimbate figure surmounted by a star and feather; Side B - two ruled horizontal bands with lightly-incised text. 3.99 grams, 28 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
