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LOT 0107
Roman Bronze Vessel Handle with Face
1ST CENTURY A.D.
5 5/8 in. (110 grams, 14.2 cm).
Swept in profile, comprising a horizontal crescentic panel to attach to the rim, with inlaid silver detailing, recurved cobra-shaped thumb pad, raised serpent to the outer face of the tapering handle, finial a mask of Bacchus or Pan, facing with volute scrolls to the brow and thick splayed beard; silver diadem and eyes.
ProvenancePrivate collection.
with Christie's, London, 11 June 1997, no.97 (part).
with Bonhams, 13 April 2000, no.198.
Private collection, Europe.
Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's and Bonhams catalogue pages.
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12529-232161.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 290-292, for similar, especially 291.
FootnotesThese handles, which formed a leafy plant element and an S- or T-shaped animal at the top, were usually attached to the belly of the bronze vessel by a human head. In our example, the broad head of the mask, with its broad moustache and beard, characterised by abundant hair, seems to hark back to the iconography of the Sileni or Pan.
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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LOT 0107
Roman Bronze Vessel Handle with Face
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Ring with Minerva Standing
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
With a slender D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, the oval bezel with Minerva facing left, holding a spear and a shield in her left hand, and a wreath in her right hand, with a flaming altar to the side. 3.88 grams, 21.28 mm overall, 18.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Iron Ring with Figural Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
The hoop expanding at the shoulders and the bezel set with an oval gemstone. 6.37 grams, 27.44 mm overall, 21.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Jasper Gemstone with Female Bust
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Ellipsoid in plan with an incuse female profile bust. 1.03 grams, 15 mm
Property of a European gentleman, acquired from the estate of a London collector (formed before 2000).
