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LOT 0830
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 - 2 5/8 in. (73 grams total, 63-66 mm).
Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surfaces decorated with engraved lines and dots. [5, 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
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Byzantine Bronze Bird Padlock Plate
6th-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Modelled in the half-round depicted standing upright; accompanied by bird head finial. 22.4 grams total, 20-50 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Glass Bulbous Vase
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
With long slender neck and everted rim. 37 grams, 12.5 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Demeter Holding Ear of Corn
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £278
Set in a silver mount with beaded edge; the intaglio depicting Demeter draped, advancing left and holding ear of corns in her right hand. 2.21 grams, 19 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
Demeter and Hecate were linked to the afterlife cult, so it is possible that the ring to which the bezel belonged was a funerary gift. Demeter (Ceres for the Romans) was the Greek goddess of the harvest, the cycle of life and death and sacred law.
