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LOT 0151
Late Roman Bronze Lamp and Stand
CIRCA 5TH-6TH CENTURY A.D.
3 3/8 - 6 in. (543 grams total, 8.6-15.4 cm).
Comprising a slipper-shaped lamp with broad flange rim to the shoulder and rear with hooked spurs; scooped recessed nozzle; handle to rear formed as a vertical bar with lateral coils converging at the apex (one partly absent) and finger-loop below; two small hinge lugs to the rear of the flange to attach a hinged cover (absent); base with socket and portion of peg; separate conical stand with carination and collar to top. [2]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of the Greek and Roman lamps in the British Museum, London, 1914, no.1468, for a less elaborate example of the type.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 43 grams total, 16-23 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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 Bronze Seal with Busts and Greek Legends
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Ellipsoid in plan with a bust and a Greek legend on each face. 1.64 grams, 13 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman's collection by descent, 1980s. -
Roman Red Ware Amphora-Shaped Handled Flask
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Comprising a bulbous body with a low basal ring, a tapering tubular neck with a flanged collar, and a strap handle to the rear. 312 grams, 19.5 cm
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.A60.
