Loading, please wait...
Details
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.
Provenance
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent.
Literature
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, items 617-624, for type.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman to Medieval Artefact Group
1st-19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Including an ivy-leaf pendant, belt buckles, crotal bell, spearhead-finial and other items 1.12 kg total, 2.1-15 cm
From a Surrey collection. Property of a Scottish collector, acquired in 2013. -
Roman Sardonyx Snake Gemstone in Medieval Gold Ring
4th-5th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £845
The tapering gemstone with attractive brown and white banding, intaglio motif of a rearing serpent flanking reversed letters T and C, the body coiled and forming an infinity sign; set in an eastern medieval gold ring with a keeled hollow-form hoop of heavy construction, and applied stepped bezel. 12.73 grams, 31.46 mm overall, 18.56 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P , USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Private collection, USA. From the Alexander Gallery, New York, USA, in the early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12107-214337.
The image on the gemstone can refer to a simplified representation of the radiant serpent-god Chnoubis, invoked to cure stomach ache and heartburn. According to the Greek physician Galen, when worn as an amulet, it benefitted the stomach and the oesophagus. -
Roman Bronze Plate Brooch with Vine Leaf
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Complete with pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. 10 grams, 29 mm
Acquired prior to 2000. Ex private collection, Cambridgeshire, UK.