Roman Bronze Artefact Collection

With horse-head finials, each with a punched ring-and-dot eye detailing, a central ring-and-dot motif, a pin and catchplate on the reverse. 8.87 grams, 39 mm



From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.

With globular body, dimple foot, slight vertical ribbing to body, broad funicular mouth with folded rim. 174 grams, 19 cm



Acquired in the late 1980s. Private collection, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Similar vessels (bottles) were found in 4th-5th century tombs at Beit Ras, Jordan, and from Samaria-Sebaste, Israel. The most recognisable characteristic of these bottles was the faint ribs on the body. The type survived until the Arab conquest in the 7th century A.D.

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with impression of timber laths to the reverse. 601 grams total, 4.5-10.6 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.