Loading, please wait...
LOT 0709
Roman Bronze Ring with Amethyst Gemstone
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (3.33 grams, 20.86 mm overall, 14.24 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G, USA 3 1/4, Europe 4.92, Japan 4)).
Comprising a D-section hoop with raised shoulders, rectangular bezel set with an amethyst intaglio engraved with an advancing bird. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market before 2000.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Cf. for bird on ring Henig, M., ‘The gemstones and other jewellery’, in B.Cunliffe, Excavations at Fishbourne, 1961-1969, II. The Finds, Society of Antiquaries of London. Research Report XXXVII, Leeds. 1971, pp. 83-92, pl.XVIII, no.3.
FootnotesBirds were often involved in the religious life of Greeks and Romans. For example, the foundation ceremony of a city had fixed rules, involving the augurs’ interpretation of allegedly divine omens, such as the flight patterns of birds. Birds were often used for children’s rings: from the villa or palace of Fishbourne, Sussex, came a gold child’s ring containing a diminutive chrome chalcedony engraved with a bird.
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:
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.
-
Roman Light Blue Glass and Stone Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £20
Composed of graduated beads with larger beads as a central feature; restrung. 15.1 grams, 42 cm
From the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Such necklaces testify to the popularity of glass ornaments across the Roman Empire. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but with the extension of the Empire and the adoption of different styles from Greece, Egypt and North Africa, jewellery designs became increasingly various and elaborate. Each bead of this beautiful necklace is unique in shape, lustre and speckling, creating a mosaic-like impression. Blue glass beads can be grouped into opaque mid-blue and deep translucent cobalt blue types. -
Roman Garnet Gemstone Depicting a Hunting Dog
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
Ellipsoid in plan with intaglio hound crouching. 1.62 grams, 15 mm
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
The Romans kept dogs for many purposes; such as for hunting game, protecting a flock of sheep, guarding the house, and providing companionship. -
Roman Bronze Gladiator Figure
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Sheet-bronze silhouette figure of a gladiator in murmillo helmet; mounted on a display stand. 26.6 grams total, 41 mm
Ex London, UK, gentleman 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
