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LOT 0856
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 7/8 in. (39 grams, 73 mm).
Crescentic body with one arm formed as a phallus and the other as a fist, making the 'fica' gesture, male genitalia at the centre with a large loop above.
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 Dark Green Glass Cotton Reel Unguentarium
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
With a broad plano-convex base, sturdy tubular body, everted and rolled rim. 137 grams, 75 mm
From a specialist collection of glass, acquired from dealerships during the 1990s. -
Roman Bead Earring Pair
1st-3rd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £104
A matched pair formed of an undulating tubular gold-in-glass bead with a doughnut-shaped black bead below; a modern hook and bar with bead. 2.03 grams total, 42 mm each
Acquired by present owner circa 2001. Property of a West Northamptonshire, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 43 grams total, 16-23 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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.
