Roman Bronze Stepping Horse Statuette

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.5 grams total, 16-21 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.

The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.

With broad sloping shoulder and concave discus with raised circular ridge, central hole; three radiating suspension loops and stub nozzle with flat rim; base with incuse circular grooves. 106 grams, 67 mm



Ex collection Mr. K.H., Germany, Private collection, acquired in 2012.

Comprising an elongated nozzle with a raised rim extending to the discus, two filler holes flanking an advancing ram with curly fleece detailing and curving horns, floral detailing on the shoulder and a low basal ring. 176 grams, 14.5 cm



By descent to the son of a late Hertfordshire gentleman collector, whose collection was formed from the 1960s.