Loading, please wait...
LOT 0754
Roman Bone Dice Pair
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (8.85 grams total, 13-14 mm).
Each with ring-and-dot spots arranged: 1:6; 2:5; 3:4; 1:6; 2:5; 3:4. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market around 2000s.
From the collection of an EU gentleman living in the UK.
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Demeter Holding Ear of Corn
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Set in a silver mount with beaded edge; the intaglio depicting Demeter draped, advancing left and holding ear of corns in her right hand. 2.21 grams, 19 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Demeter and Hecate were linked to the afterlife cult, so it is possible that the ring to which the bezel belonged was a funerary gift. Demeter (Ceres for the Romans) was the Greek goddess of the harvest, the cycle of life and death and sacred law. -
Roman Bronze Seated Lion Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, seated on their hind quarters. 30.5 grams, 35 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fortuna
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £389
The oval intaglio depicting the goddess standing, facing right, dressed in peplos, holding a steering-oar and cornucopia. 1.33 grams, 16 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Fortuna was the Roman equivalent of the Greek Tyche, and was the goddess of fate, chance and luck. The cornucopia symbolises the abundance of good luck that people hoped for in worshipping her and the rudder symbolises her steering the destiny of people. In the city of Rome, she had a temple in the Forum Boarium. The goddess had many aspects such as Fortuna Augusta, the luck of the emperor and the Imperial family, Fortuna Publica, the luck of the people, and Fortuna Obsequens, indulgent fortune, amongst many others.