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LOT 0660
Roman and Later Artefact Group
2ND CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
1/2 - 1 1/2 in. (11.56 grams total, 12-38 mm).
A mixed group comprising: a bone dolphin with slot to the raised; the tip of a bronze hair-pin; and two later glass beads. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1990s-2000.
Property of an East London gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Gnostic Epigraphic Gemstone
3rd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
An engraved gemstone with a stylised image of Harpocrates, depicted as a naked child with a finger raised on his mouth, seated on a lotus flower in a boat, groups of wild animals arranged in threes surrounding; the other side with a magic inscription in Greek letters 'I, E, A, P, Φ, K, Ο, Γ'. 1.25 grams, 14 mm
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
Egyptian deities are often represented on magical gems. One of the most interesting figures is the image of Harpocrates seated on a lotus flower, called ‘the young sun’. This figure had a solar nature and a protective function. -
Roman Bronze Handled Knife
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
An iron knife with curved blade and one cutting edge, with bronze handle decorated with incised X-motifs and dashes to both faces; pierced finial. 49 grams, 17 cm long
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Schist Dolphin
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A carved schist dolphin figure with stylised detailing to the fins and face; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 30 grams total, 59 mm long (58 mm high including stand)
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The dolphin was among the animals sacred to Aphrodite, but in Graeco-Roman mythology it was also considered to be the animal accompanying the souls of the dead into the afterlife.