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LOT 0573
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 1/2 in. (68 grams total, 64-65 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 Bronze Musical Flute
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
An extremely rare aulos or tibia with round-section body, six circular holes to one side and a D-shaped hole to the reverse. 87 grams, 23 cm
Fine condition. Extremely rare.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister; from her collection formed early 1960s-1990s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11055-184396.
The flute was used for religious ceremonies and for entertainment. The pyrrhic, a war dance of Doric origin, was a rapid dance to the double flute, and made to resemble an action in battle. -
Roman Black Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Restrung; composed of graduated opaque black glass beads of various types. 13.7 grams, 42 cm long
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance. -
Roman Bronze Seated Upright Mouse Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Modelled with naturalistic detailing standing as if nibbling at food held between the forepaws, on a circular base. 52 grams, 36 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.