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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Jasper Gemstone with Mercury
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £700 - 900 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £389
The god depicted naked, standing, looking left, holding a caduceus and a purse. 0.79 grams, 15 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection.
After his identification with the Greek Hermes, the Roman artists who realised his images for the Roman magistrates used the specific Greek elements of his personality (the winged low cap petasos, the face of a shaved young man, the caduceus, the winged shoes of Phekasia type) but added the attribute of a purse, specific to Mercury. -
Roman Glass Candlestick Unguentarium
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Tall thin neck with everted rim and double bulb base with flat bottom. 12.4 grams, 11.6 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Gold and Garnet Floral Ring
1st century B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Bezel formed as one circular and two piriform gold cells with large granules between and granulation to the rim of each cell; inset garnet cabochons, with later rectangular-section hoop. 2.39 grams, 21.13 mm overall, 16.53 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.
