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LOT 0676
Roman Bronze Nibbling Rat Figurine
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (29 grams, 30 mm).
Modelled in the half-round on an elliptical base, forelegs bent clutching a piece of food, saly tail to the rear. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK art market, acquired prior to 1980.
Property of an East Sussex, UK, private collector.
Rats can be distinguished from mice by their thick, scaly tails.
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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Roman Figural Carnelian Gemstone
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
With crouching young nude satyr milking a goat, frond to the rear; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.65 grams, 14 mm
From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London. -
Roman Redware Fish Sherd with Christian Symbols
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Flat ceramic sherd with incised concentric rings, band of impressed alternating lozenges and roundels, group of four fish to the centre; fabric-backed. 178 grams, 17.5 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister
The representation of fish on this terra sigillata from a North African workshop suggests the connection with Christian faith through the fish symbol. The ancient Greek: 'ἰχθύς', was an acronym for the phrase ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God’, in Greek, and was used by early Christians for this reason. The fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome and was used as a recognition symbol among the early Christians. -
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Roman Gold Ring with Carnelian Cameo of Eros
Early 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Composed of a convex hoop with expanding angled shoulders, oval bezel set with carnelian cameo gemstone carved with the head and face of Eros with pinched features and centrally-parted hair; a marriage. 7.09 grams, 21.79 mm overall, 17.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
This ring belongs to the typology of gold rings with gem (Type II, Variant I) of Ruseva-Slokoska classification.
