Roman Black Gemstone with Bird

Hollow-formed pear-shaped body with waisted nozzle, recessed discus with phallus-shaped void, arched strap handle to rear with reflector plate formed as an actor's mask with palmette below; integral socketted base. 442 grams, 14.2 cm



Acquired on the German art market before 2000. Ex European private collection.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 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.

Composed of mixed beads with larger beads as the central feature, restrung. 17.02 grams, 33 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.