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LOT 0712
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/4 in. (7.45 grams, 33 mm).
Curving phallus with lateral testes and a large suspension loop above. [No Reserve]
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 Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 33.6 grams total, 13-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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. -
Roman Iridescent Glass Bottle
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £44
Tubular in form with shallow rounded base, sloped shoulder and flared rim to the mouth. 13.5 grams, 84 mm
Ex London, UK, art market 1990s. -
Large Roman Redware Flagon
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
With bulbous biconvex body, basal ring, tapering neck with stepped mouth and rounded rim, ribbed strap handle to the rear. 1.19 kg, 21.5 cm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent.