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LOT 0773
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 2 5/8 in. (41 grams total, 61-68 mm).
Comprising three flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
LiteratureCf. Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.118-119, nos.125-126, for similar specimens.
FootnotesBracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Brooch and Other Artefact Collection
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
The group comprising: brooches, a seal box lid and zoomorphic mount; including examples with trace remains of gilding, polychrome and millefiori enamelling and other decorative techniques; four accompanied by PAS record ids. 62 grams total, 21-45 mm
Found Berkshire, UK. -
Roman Amber Glass Pilgrim's Flask
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
With tubular neck and everted rim. 107 grams, 15.2 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
'At the moment the cross is brought for veneration .... they offer oil to be blessed in little flasks. When the mouth of one of the flasks touches the Wood of the Cross, the oil instantly bubbles over, and unless it is closed very quickly it all spills out.' (The Piacenza Pilgrim, v. 173, circa 570 AD). -
Roman Large Glass Necklace Bead Group
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising five opaque glass beads, including three large facetted beads, a decoratively twisted tubular bead and a 'bow-tie' shaped clay bead with bulbous mid-section; some with traces of iridescence to the surface. 60 grams total, 24-44 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.