Loading, please wait...
LOT 0101
Roman Bone Pyxis with Lion Heads
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 3/4 in. (39.7 grams, 71 mm).
Carved with thick rim to each end, ogee above the base and double band beneath the mouth; two facing lion masks modelled in high-relief, each with gaping jaws and a ring held between the jaws; disc to the base, domed lid. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the old collection of Colonel Ronde, circa 1980s.
Property of a French collector.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12094-214901.
Cf. similar pyxis in style with a putto in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accession number: 23.160.61a, b.
FootnotesAccording to archaeologists, the pyxis could have served as a container for cosmetics, medicinal ointments, or perfume. Soldiers’ posessions often included carved vessels and lathe-turned bowls, spoons, spatulas, knives, discs and lids, as well as pyxides, which have been found in high numbers in military camps.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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.
-
large Roman Lead Gaming Dice
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Cuboid with irregular impressed point markings disposed 1:3, 2:4, 5:6. 20 grams, 14 mm
Acquired 21 July 1997. From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.89. Accompanied by a Colin Narbeth catalogue identification slip. -
Eastern Roman Bronze Female Bust
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Hollow-formed figurine fragment depicting a bare-chested female with a tight-fitting cap placed over her hair and row of curls escaping from beneath the brim, broad forehead above lentoid eyes and narrow nose, small pursed mouth; integral swag of beads to the upper chest above the conical breasts, left arm bent and hand clutching the left breast, right arm raised and forefinger placed on the chin; separate round-section ring added to the neck; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 195 grams total, 11.2 cm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Bone Pyxis with Lion Heads
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Carved with thick rim to each end, ogee above the base and double band beneath the mouth; two facing lion masks modelled in high-relief, each with gaping jaws and a ring held between the jaws; disc to the base, domed lid. 39.7 grams, 71 mm
From the old collection of Colonel Ronde, circa 1980s. Property of a French collector. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12094-214901.
According to archaeologists, the pyxis could have served as a container for cosmetics, medicinal ointments, or perfume. Soldiers’ posessions often included carved vessels and lathe-turned bowls, spoons, spatulas, knives, discs and lids, as well as pyxides, which have been found in high numbers in military camps.
