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LOT 0153
Roman Bronze Phallic Seal Box
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 1/2 in. (9.97 grams, 38 mm).
Piriform two-part container with three holes to the underside, hinge to the broad end, obverse with ropework border and stylised phallus in high-relief.
ProvenancePrivate collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
LiteratureCf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, items 617-624, for type.
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 'Published' Terracotta Oil Lamp with Fighting Gladiators
Early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,340
Grey fabric, broad discus with concentric rings and chamfered shoulder, short nozzle flanked by volute scrolls; scene of two murmillo gladiators in combat, one having fallen to the ground; maker's stamp to the underside 'MAR[..]S'; mounted on a custom-made stand. 66 grams, 95 mm (137 grams total, 14.6 cm high including stand)
Ex Axel Guttmann collection of ancient arms and armour, Germany (1944-2001). with Christie's, Axel Guttmann collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 2, London, 28 April 2004, no.178 (part). European private collection. Exhibited at Harwich Museum, Harwich, Essex, UK, 3rd February-9th March 2024; accompanied by a copy of a photograph of the artefact on display. Accompanied by a copy of the Christie's online catalogue listing. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Das Spiel mit dem Tod, book pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12049-211932. -
Roman Mosaic and Other Glass Necklace Bead Group
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising thirty glass beads of various sizes, including mosaic beads and some with drawn decoration. 49 grams total, 7-13 mm
UK gallery, early 2000s.
The mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Recent excavations have provided better information on the use of glass beads for necklaces and bracelets, and in some case has been possible to understand the exact arrangement of a necklace or other jewellery made of glass. Many of the examples here presented belongs to the so-called category of ‘eye-beads’. -
Roman Bronze Punched Tabula Ansata Appliqué
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Rectangular plate with trapezoidal ends, pointillé decoration. 2.5 grams, 45 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
These tabulae ansatae with pointillé decoration were used for votive inscriptions to the gods, offered on the occasion of a vow made during a situation of danger or an invocation of help to the gods. They were often used in the military field. A particularly important example is the one found in Carnuntum dedicated to Jupiter Dolichenus, offered by the centurion Titius Moderatus of the Legio XI Gemina.