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LOT 0808
Roman Buffware Oil Lamp with Seahorse
CIRCA 3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 in. (57 grams, 76 mm).
Mould made with a solid round unpierced handle, broad horizontal shoulder separated from the discus by a shallow circular groove; upper filling-hole over the central part of the discus decorated by a seahorse leaping to the left, surrounded by volutes; slightly raised rounded nozzle, base-ring marked with two circular grooves. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Lighfoot, C.S., The Cesnola collection of Cypriot Art - Terracotta Oil Lamps, cat.221, p.173, for the type.
FootnotesThe depiction of various animals is common on Roman lamps, appearing just as frequently as they do elsewhere in Roman art. Animals formed part of the decorative and symbolic schemes on monumental and funerary sculpture, frescoes and mosaics. The hippocampus symbolised water, power, bravery, and helpfulness. It was also defined as a symbol of hope, strength, and agility because of its ability to help people. This popular sea creature was connected with imagination and creativity and also associated with the god of the sea, Poseidon.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Votive Hand to God Sabazios
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Hollow-formed right hand from a statuette, with fingers splayed and flat palm, good anatomical detailing. 362 grams, 12.1 cm
Private collection 1990s. Ex London, UK, gallery.
The votive character of the hand could link it to the God Sabazios, often associated with a number of archaeological finds depicting a bronze, right hand in the benedictio latina gesture. The hand appears to have had ritual significance and may have been affixed to a sceptre (as the one carried by Sabazios on a slab, one from Philippopolis, nowadays Plovdiv in Bulgaria). The association with Sabazios is sometimes suggested in similar hands, by the presence of a snake embossed around the circumference of the hand, because the iconic image of the god or hero on horseback battling the chthonic serpent, appears on Celtic-Roman votive columns, and with the coming of Christianity it was easily adapted to the representations of Saint George fighting the Dragon. -
Roman Gold Ring with Cabochon
3rd-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
With a triple ropework band, broad shoulders with openwork spirals increasing in size towards the centre; raised circular bezel with twisted wire border, set with a glass cabochon. 5.00 grams, 23.01 mm overall, 16.99 x 16.87 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
From a private European collection, since 1975. with Christie's, London, 14 April 2011, no.361 (part). Ex New York, USA, collection. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. Accompanied by an old cataloguing slip. -
Roman Gold Drop Earrings
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
Matched pair each with carnelian cabochon on the ring, garnet and pearl seed beads on the dangle. 2.51 grams total, 29-32 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue identification card.
