Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0655
Late Roman Gold and Garnet Earring
4TH-6TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1 1/4 in. (7.4 grams, 33 mm).
Comprising a single earring with thick hook closure, folding towards the bottom and ending in a small hoop; teardrop-shaped plaque with ten bezels having cabochon insert garnets; a central garnet cabochon surrounded by smaller garnet cabochons in different hues of red, framed by gold granules, each stone set in a gold cell with filigree collar; the back decorated by fine filigree.
Provenance
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
Literature
Cf. Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan and Roman, in the Department of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, pl.LXVI, no.2866, for similar style of manufacture.
Footnotes
The use of Roman style jewellery continued in the east also after the fall of the west, especially in the old jewellery production centres like Alexandria and Antioch, giving way to an increased production in Constantinople. In the Eastern Empire, jewellery played an important role, expressing rank status and being also used as a diplomatic tool.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Rock Crystal Bead Necklace
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Restrung group of clear quartz melon bead and hexagonal-section tubular beads. 103 grams, 53.5 cm long
with a London, UK gallery 1971. -
Roman Bronze Celtic Bound Captive Statuette
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Modelled as a slender man with thick hair and beard, seated and naked with rope binding the hands together at his back; mounted on a custom-made stand. 104 grams total, 51 mm including stand
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. -
.jpg)
Roman Decorated Votive Lead Mirror
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With ribbed handle, discoid plate with raised rib to one face, running scrolls to the other, lateral struts. 43 grams, 11 cm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Many examples of this category from the Danube region were found in female graves, where they possibly served as grave goods considered appropriate for their connection with general issues of fertility, good fortune, and beauty, or even as protective amulets. Since lead mirror frames have been found in this Roman province only in graves of women, it is probable that these miniature mirrors, fitted with a central glass, were expected to serve as ritual or magical tools to assist souls of dead women in the afterlife.
