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LOT 0641
Roman Bronze Seated Upright Mouse Statuette
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (52 grams, 36 mm).
Modelled with naturalistic detailing standing as if nibbling at food held between the forepaws, on a circular base.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
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 Glass Candlestick Unguentarium
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Tall thin iridescent vessel with wide base and flared rim. 29 grams, 13.1 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Silver Bird Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £33
Modelled in the round with naturalistic detailing, with two legs held together, likely not a pin finial. 3.63 grams, 21 mm wide
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Bronze Bracelet Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising four flat-section bracelets with overlapping rounded terminals. 68 grams total, 61-71 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
Bracelets were worn in Rome by ladies of rank, but it was considered a mark of effeminacy for civilian men to use such female ornaments (Suetonius, Caligula, 52; Nero, 30). The armillae (or psellia in Greek) were rings and bracelets worn by women in the Graeco-Roman world on both legs and arms. Homer mentions them (elikas) as being part of the hairstyle of the divine Aphrodite, thus giving an almost sacred character to these objects. There were different types, the most common consisting of a more or less thick metal wire, or a flat or cylindrical circle, like our examples.
