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LOT 1248
Roman Bronze Bird Brooch
CIRCA 3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (12.6 grams, 40 mm).
Depicting a bird with folded wings and a fan-shaped tail, a springed pin, and a catchplate on the reverse.
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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LOT 1248
Roman Bronze Bird Brooch
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£50 (EUR 58; USD 68) +BP*
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Romano-British Enamelled Bronze Miniature Altar
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
A hollow-formed miniature altar or incense burner with four short legs, panels of red and red enamelled ornament to the sides. 16.1 grams, 20.15 mm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32.7 grams total, 13-22 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. -
Roman Glass Cameo
Circa 2nd century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising: a carved female face in three-quarter view with luxuriant curls of hair, on a black glass field. 3.70 grams total, 21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
