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LOT 0844
Roman Bronze Wolf's Head Terminal
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (17.4 grams, 27 mm).
A terminal depicting a wolf's head with fierce expression, fur detailing to the neck and snout, possibly a knife pommel. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a North West London gallery; formerly in a 1980s collection.
From the private collection of John Meredith, acquired since the 1990s; thence by descent.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Steatite Head of Eros Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Plano-convex in section, one side with carved head of youthful Eros, almond-shaped eyes, chubby cheeks, cascading hair with top knot; pierced above. 7.18 grams, 30 mm
Ex London, UK, art market, late 1990s. From a private UK collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Shrimp
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Intaglio shrimp motif with articulated body. 0.60 grams, 13 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Green Agate Gemstone Depicting a Palm Tree
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Biconvex with intaglio palm-tree motif. 0.2 grams, 10 mm
From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Diverse and sometimes exotic imagery can be found on Roman gemstones, like the ones from sites like Caerleon, showing a Roman gemstone in agate depicting a palm tree with dates. These gemstones, often featuring bucolic scenes and symbols of prosperity, were sometimes made of materials coming from the different corners of the empire or even distant lands like Cyprus, Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka. Palm trees were symbols of abundance and fertility, and were a common motif on Roman gemstones even before the advent of Christianity, when the palm tree was associated with the glorious entrance of God in Jerusalem. They were sometimes depicted with other elements like parrots, further highlighting the exotic nature of some Roman gemstone designs.
