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LOT 0791
Roman Bronze Lamp with Theatrical Mask
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5 1/4 in. (220 grams, 13.3 cm).
Nozzle with quasi-volutes, theatrical mask surrounding the central opening; ring-handle with palmette attachment; base moulded.
ProvenanceAcquired from Weber, Kohl.
Ex private collection, Rhemish, Germany.
with Gorny & Mosch, 14 December 2010, lot 499.
Private collection, Europe.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11800-206492.
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of the Greek and Roman lamps in the British Museum, London, 1914, no.1468, for the type.
FootnotesThe principal parts of a lamp were the body or reservoir which contained the oil (infundibulum); the flat circular top (discus) on which the design, if any, was placed, sometimes with an ornamented rim (margo), the nozzle, with a hole for the insertion of the wick (rostrum, nasus, myxus), the wick, known as ellydinium, the handle (ansa, manubrium).
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LOT 0791
Roman Bronze Lamp with Theatrical Mask
Estimate £2,500 - 3,500€2,900 - 4,060 (for guidance only)$3,380 - 4,730 (for guidance only)
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Roman Buffware Oil Lamp with Seahorse
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Mould made with a solid round unpierced handle, broad horizontal shoulder separated from the discus by a shallow circular groove; upper filling-hole over the central part of the discus decorated by a seahorse leaping to the left, surrounded by volutes; slightly raised rounded nozzle, base-ring marked with two circular grooves. 57 grams, 76 mm
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.
The depiction of various animals is common on Roman lamps, appearing just as frequently as they do elsewhere in Roman art. Animals formed part of the decorative and symbolic schemes on monumental and funerary sculpture, frescoes and mosaics. The hippocampus symbolised water, power, bravery, and helpfulness. It was also defined as a symbol of hope, strength, and agility because of its ability to help people. This popular sea creature was connected with imagination and creativity and also associated with the god of the sea, Poseidon. -
Roman Gold Ring with Mani in Fede Gemstone for Aiax
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising a hollow-formed hoop with rounded shoulders, inset garnet intaglio with clasped hands and 'AIAX' inscription. 2.79 grams, 21.00 mm overall, 14.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)
Acquired in Europe in 1992. with Million Cornette de Saint Cyr, Hotel Regina, 12 December 2009. European private collection.
The Romanised name 'Aiax' is given to the hero Αἴας of the Trojan war, who carried off the body of Achilles and fought Hector. The subject of two clasped hands (dextrarum junctio) symbolising the fides (loyalty, trust), was very popular on Roman rings and gems. It was mainly used on marriage rings, sometimes with the equivalent Greek inscription 'OMONOIA'. Sometimes it was used in terms of military loyalty between commander and army. In this case it is most probable the name of the groom (AIAX). -
Roman Bronze Animal Statuette Group
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Mixed group comprising: three-headed dog, Cerberus, on an ellipsoid base; mouse holding an item of food to its mouth; baying hound with head raised. 60.5 grams total, 29- 35 mm
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.
