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LOT 0829
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 - 2 3/4 in. (68 grams total, 61-71 mm).
Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. [4, 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.
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:
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Roman Gold Ring with Minerva Gemstone
Circa 3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £667
With granule cluster to one shoulder, drum-shaped bezel with inset nicolo intaglio of Minerva helmetted with shield, axe and spear; restored. 7.24 grams, 26.31 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)
Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Rogers collection, Suffolk, UK. -
Roman Bronze Fitting Group
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Comprising: a substantial key handle with baluster and 'X' ornament; knife pommel; clothing studs; fragmentary pins with decorative heads. 137 grams total, 18-92 mm
Ex Axel Guttman collection. Acquired on the UK art market. Ex private Merseyside, UK, collection. -
Roman Period Blackware Bowl
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Comprising a hemispherical black-glazed terracotta body with slightly everted rim, raised circumferential bands to the shoulder, small raised foot, flat bottom. 274 grams, 12.5 cm wide
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.
The most interesting feature of this bowl is that its whole outline suggests that it has been copied from a Terra Sigillata bowl of type Dragendorff. The moulded figures of the decorated original were, however, probably outside of the craftsman's range, and in places the surface of the bowl is covered with a crudely executed ornamented band.
