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LOT 0648
Roman Bone Dice Pair
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 3/8 in. (2.31 grams total, 7-9 mm).
Comprising: one with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4; the other a cornerless cuboid with hatching to the corners, and markings disposed in a similar way. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection.
Acquired from Redhouse Antiques, York, in 2006.
Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Ring with Portrait
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Hoop composed of angled and fluted shoulders and an oval bezel displaying a portrait bust in profile right, in relief. 34.93 grams, 38.63 mm overall, 22.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Roman Gold Pendant with Coral
3rd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £176
Comprising a ribbed loop; round setting with an inset pink coral cabochon, small loop below. 0.74 grams, 13 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
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Roman Bronze Antinous Balsamarium
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,405
Comprising the bust of Antinous or Bacchus (Greek Dionysus); the head modelled in the round, hair with voluminous waves, semi-naturalistic facial features, muscular neck and chest, two loops at the sides for the handle, silver inlaid eyes restored with black glass pupils. 300 grams, 10 cm
Acquired on the German art market before 2000. From an EU collection before 2020.
The balsamarium (ointment or balsam container), is a modern term reflecting the Roman use of relatively small vessels as containers for aromatic oils, or storing and dispensing cosmetic liquids and/or scented powdered substances. These vessels were produced in the first three centuries of the Roman Empire in a variety of forms, including busts and animal shapes. The present balsamarium testifies to the power of imperial imagery and its dissemination across the empire, as the vessel portrays Antinous, Emperor Hadrian's ‘favourite’, whose untimely death in a boating accident led to his deification. The general facial characteristics of our figure are consistent with the stylistic portrait features of late antiquity and the personal features of Antinous, here appearing with large almond-shaped eyes, set into slightly upturned, incised pupils.
