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LOT 0780
Roman Blue and White Glass Spindle Whorl
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.12 grams, 25 mm).
Plano-convex type with central recess in upper face; coiled construction. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.
Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A46.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Glass Vessel with Iridescence
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Squat body with a short trumpet-shaped neck with rolled rim, applied openwork gallery encircling the neck. 59.8 grams, 73 mm wide
From an important London, UK, collection 1980-2020.
Such jars, with applied trails, are commonly found in the Near East and Egypt. One trail was wound once horizontally around the undercurve of the mouth; another was applied in a large pad to shoulder and then formed into wavy zigzag patterns. -
Roman Black Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £33
Composed of small annular beads interspersed with larger oblate beads, the central feature composed of three larger beads; restrung. 12.2 grams, 31 cm
Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £312
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 36.2 grams total, 13-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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.
