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LOT 1015
Roman Bone Gaming Dice Pair
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (8.22 grams total, 13 mm each).
A pair of cuboid dice, each with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:5, 3:4 and 1:6, 2:3, 4:5. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Red Ware Platter Fragment with Ship and Figures
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
A thick rim fragment from a shallow platter showing an oneraria ship with open sails and two profile heads facing right, a nude figure at the centre in a dynamic pose, wearing a cloak and gazing back towards another figure. 50 grams, 11.6 cm
From 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 with reference no.A57. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32 grams total, 15-20 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. -
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Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Eagle
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
With an intaglio eagle standing with its head turned and a wreath in its beak; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.97 grams, 11.14 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
