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LOT 0861
Roman Bronze Brooch Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 - 2 1/8 in. (29.4 grams total, 35-55 mm).
Comprising a dolphin brooch with a decorative wave motif, and a bow brooch with a flaring foot. [2]
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.6 grams total, 14-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
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Roman Garnet Gemstone with Portrait
Late 5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
Ellipsoid type with dished underside, incuse-facing portrait bust, from a Constantinople garnet workshop. 1.22 grams, 14 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Fresco Wall Plaster Collection
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue, cream and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 786 grams total, 6.7-12.5 cm
Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.
These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.
