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LOT 0791
Life-Size Roman Bronze Thumb
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (137 grams, 68 mm).
Hollow-form with accurate anatomical detailing. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a London antiquarian, formed since the 1980s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfered rim to obverse with womb with key and roots; above womb the figures of Isis, Anubis, Chnoubis, and Nephthys (from left to right); reverse with facing Medusa mask with wings to the brow below a coiled snake, spiders and other items. 2.84 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12354-225280. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
During the Graeco-Roman period, the traditional genres of Egyptian or Near Eastern temple magic gems, particularly protective magic against demons, snakes and scorpions, seemed largely to have disappeared, and new genres became dominant, for different types of divination (direct visions of god, bowl divination, dream sending, Homer oracles), malign magic, aggressive (mainly erotic) magic, magic for personal success and attractiveness. This type of amulet was intended to aid childbirth and avoid illness and dangers for its attendant. -
Roman Tall Glass Bottle
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
With plano-convex body and flat base, tapering neck and everted rim; some iridescence to surface. 140 grams, 17.5 cm
Private collection, Luxembourg, 2002. Swiss private collection, 2003. Ex Vittorio Rizzi, Basel, prior 2005. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00035605. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Bone Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Each cuboid with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 8.16 grams total, 13.3-13.5 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.