Roman Bronze Knife Handle with Erotic Scene

Depicted as a bearded man, seated and naked with rope binding the hands together and extending around the neck and ankles; pierced vertically at the shoulders; probably a sliding mount for a thong or cord; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 59 grams total, 59 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Statuettes of foreign ‘barbarian’ prisoners of this type have been found along the Danube. Their spread coincides with the Marcomannic wars of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The hairstyle of this warrior has parallels with the warriors depicted on the contemporary Sarcophagus of Portonaccio, which represents a battle between Romans and Marcomanni.

Broad squat carved mortarium with basal pad and four D-section ribs to the outer face; separate pestle shaped like a thumb. 1.96 kg total, 5.6-24.8 cm



Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1990s. Acquired from the above, 2000. Private European collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12095-218195.

Modelled in the round standing on a small discoid base with tongue-shaped leaf to the rear of the legs holding a vessel in his proper right hand, net(?) thrown over his left shoulder. 47 grams, 68 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.