Loading, please wait...
LOT 0662
Roman Brown Stone Cameo with Female Bust
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/2 in. (0.57 grams, 13 mm).
Ellipsoid in plan with a low-relief female profile portrait bust with hair dressed in a chignon. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty of a European gentleman, acquired from the estate of a London collector (formed before 2000).
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 37 grams total, 14-23 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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. -
Late Roman Bronze Ring with Flatbed Garnet Gemstone
5th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
D-section hoop with flared shoulders and square cell, inset cloison. 5.13 grams, 24.16 mm overall, 18.27 x 16.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference no.A42. -
Roman Pale Green Glass Candlestick Unguentarium
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With a bell-shaped body, a tall, pinched neck, and a flared and rolled rim to the mouth. 29.8 grams, 13.6 cm
From the collection of a late Norfolk, UK gentleman's collection, formed from the late 1960s-1970s.
