Roman Bronze Spoon

Composed of a broad, flat-section hoop and a rectangular bezel displaying a high-relief bust of a lady in profile right. 6.15 grams, 18.78 mm overall, 16.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K 1/2, USA 5 1/2, Europe 10.58, Japan 10)



Acquired in the 1970s. From a deceased lady’s estate, by descent. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202900.

In 2014, a grave of a woman was discovered in Gerulata cemetery III, containing an unusual number of rings. The buried woman, aged 40-49, had two rings on each hand, one of which was a signet ring with a gem depicting the Egyptian deities Serapis and Isis, whose hairstyle and profile are identical to the present ring. Although, the bust of Isis is opposed to Serapis in the rings, the cult of the goddess was widespread inside the provinces already in the 1st century A.D.

Comprising a squat body with thick nozzle and lug handle, band of leaves and bunches of grapes to the discus, surrounding a bust of Serapis with modius and radiate crown; maker's initials to the underside 'S. S. L.'. 145 grams, 12.2 cm wide

Fine condition.

Ex London gallery 1980s. From the collection of a deceased Lancashire gentleman.

Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east, and the image of Zeus-Serapis was often fitted with the radiate crown, linking it with the cult of Sol Invictus; the position as the main divinity of the Roman Pantheon strengthened by Lucius Domitius Aurelian (270-275 A.D.).

With ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6, 2:3, 4:5. 10.2 grams total, 14 mm each



Ex collection of a UK gentleman formed in the 1990s. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.