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LOT 0120
Roman Bronze Key Handle in the Shape of a Hand Holding Fruit
1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.
4 in. (157 grams, 10.1 cm).
Formed as a lady's right hand with thumb and forefinger extended to hold a grape; iron shank to the wrist.
ProvenanceEx Cambridgeshire, UK, collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Ruseva-Slokoska, L., Roman Jewellery, Sofia, 1991, item 285, for hairpin of a similar form.
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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LOT 0120
Roman Bronze Key Handle in the Shape of a Hand Holding Fruit
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
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Roman Terracotta Lion Statuette
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with Sotheby’s London, 9 December 1994, no.221. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. Accompanied by copies of relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11797-206532.
The lion was famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps the most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean lion for his first labour, but it was also linked with the cult of the goddess Cybele, where it is usually represented sculptured in relief on either side of her throne.
