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LOT 0709
Late Roman Bone Gaming Piece
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (9.7 grams, 33 mm).
A bone astragalus gaming piece with flattened base and upper face, from the game of 'knuckle bones'. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx UK art market, 1970s.
Property of a London gentleman.
See Allason-Jones, L. & Miket, R., The Catalogue of Small Finds from South Shields Roman Fort, Newcastle, 1984, for discussion.
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 Glass Face Bulla
Eastern Mediterranean, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £194
A spherical polychrome glass bead with integral suspension lug, decorated with millefiori face cane slices and geometric motifs. 2.29 grams, 16 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman. -
Roman Marble Head of a Young Woman
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £16,900
A skilfully carved life-size marble head of a female (possibly Artemis, a Muse or an Amazon) with centrally parted hair composed of wavy strands and tied in a ponytail at the back; serene facial expression, almond-shaped eyes and small mouth with slightly parted lips; some restoration; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 14 kg total, 38 cm high including stand
Ex private collection, Monaco, 1960s-1970s. Acquired from the Monaco Fine Arts on 4th November 1992. Private collection of Mr & Mrs Daniel, Monaco. Acquired by the present owner from David Aaron Gallery in 2019. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate number no.11569-197722.
The youthful head seems to be based on the Greek Attic Artemis Colonna type of the 4th century B.C. The composition of the head is powerful with a serene countenance, its physiognomy replete with the idealised quality characteristic of Greek classical sculpture. This classic influence is best seen in the perfect almond- shaped eyes with their sharply carved lids as well as the smooth contour of the face. The rich handling of the coiffure and the smooth quality of the face can suggest a date sometime during the Hadrianic (117 to 138 A.D.) or early Antonine periods. -
Roman Glass Janus Head Flask
Circa 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
A mould-blown glass flask formed as two addorsed heads with a flaring cylindrical neck and mouth; both heads with very similar detailing to the hair and face; restored. 41 grams, 99 mm high
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
