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LOT 0729
Roman and Other Artefact and Coin Group
4TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
1/2 - 4 in. (194 grams total, 1.2-10 cm).
Including a harness mount stud, three bronze coins and a reproduction multi-spouted oil lamp. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a Hampshire, UK, gentleman.
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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Sasanian Carnelian Gemstone of a Fantastic Creature with Pahlavi Legend
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Plano-convex in section with advancing winged and horned beast, Pahlavi legend to the border; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.32 grams, 10 mm
Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.
Fanciful combinations of various human and animal heads, sometimes with the addition of other elements, are generally called grylloi. These fantastic devices were more than mere artists' fancies and were worn by the ancient Romans and others for their supposed efficacy in averting the evil eye. -
Roman Gold Earring
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
Hollow-formed disc with radiating granules to the rim, filigree collar, dangle with granule cluster. 2.54 grams, 30 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Silver Ring with Early Christian Gemstone
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £585
D-section hoop, elliptical in plan, with raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription 'IXΘYC' (ichthys, meaning 'fish"), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.18 grams, 21.91 mm overall, 18.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Private collector, acquired in the early 1990s. Private collection, England.
The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ixθus, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason, the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.
