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LOT 0093
Roman Carnelian Bezel Fragment with Sphinx
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (0.99 grams, 15 mm).
Once forming a part of a ring carved from a single piece of carnelian, polished and displaying the mythical creature advancing left on a groundline; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceUK private collection before 2000.
UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Phallic Amulet
3rd-4th century A.D. or laterEstimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Composed of a hollowed truncated conical socket, with a curved arm to each side, one ending in a phallic shape, the other ending with a closed fist. 26.1 grams, 55 mm
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Roman phallic amulets are represented by many examples preserved in museums and private collections, with a vast variety of types. This specimen belongs to category of double phallus, even if one of the male attributes is here represented as a fist. These amulets were worn as a wish for fertility and virile power, often hung on horses as harness pendants. -
Roman Enamelled Bronze Cockerel Finial
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Featuring bifacial detailing and remains of enamelling, the cockerel standing atop a fan-shaped plaque with tapering attachment lug. 30.2 grams, 79 mm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. -
Roman And Other Bronze Brooch Group
Circa 1st century B.C.-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Comprising complete and incomplete examples, including crossbow brooches; decorated openwork brooches; a zoomorphic brooch; a Celtic fibula, together with others. 61 grams total, 27-68 mm
Ex important Spanish collection, formed 1970s.
