Roman Bronze Standing Lion Statuette

One with expanded shoulders and bezel inscribed with text in a roundel; an oval bezel engraved with a figural scene; a 'twin' bezel composed of two elliptical plaques, each bearing inscribed letters. 8.68 grams total, 17-19 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.

Comprising five with round-section bodies and squared terminals; the surfaces decorated with engraved lines and dots. 73 grams total, 63-66 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.

A green double unguentarium with rolled rim to each tube, large applied D-shaped handle. 88 grams, 16.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.