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LOT 0688
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Animals
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C. OR LATER
5/8 in. (1.68 grams, 17 mm).
Of plano-convex form, depicting an ear of wheat, a fly, an elephant in profile, a mouse and a locust; accompanied by a museum-quality impression.
ProvenanceEx property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent.
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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Roman Figural Redware Fragment
Circa 4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Displaying figures at a banquet (symposium) in relief, reclining on couches and being attended by servants; a centaur on the right; repaired. 358 grams, 30 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
Possibly part of a flanged rectangular vessel, like some specimens found in Cilicia. The presence of a centaur in the scene could evoke the famous mythological fable of the centaurs at the banquet of the Lapiths, when the latter, together with the Athenian hero Theseus, offended by the immoral behaviour of the centaurs who had attempted to kidnap the women, slaughtered them all. -
Roman Glass Face Bead
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Of roughly spherical form, opaque polychrome checked design incorporating two stylised human faces. 1.34 grams, 10 mm
Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. -
Roman Period Iridescent Glass Bottle with Pimples
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
The lower body decorated with raised 'pimples'; shallow kick-up; iridescent surfaces. 15.9 grams, 58 mm
Fine condition.
Ex private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s.