Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Bearded Mask

Ovoid in profile with hollow reverse, modelled in high-relief with pallium tied at his right shoulder and garland draped across his shoulders and wreath of ivy around his brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. 435 grams total, 13.5 cm including stand



Private Swiss collection, before 1976. with Bonhams Antiquities, London, 3rd October 2000, no.202. Private European collection. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate, no.S00038120. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13216-249243.

This type of mount was probably used as bridle holders and placed near the driver’s seat, on the wagon platform or as a central decoration on the back of the wagon.

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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.

Comprising a lozenge-section crescentic body with applied circular cell finials, one with a green glass cabochon, applied ribbed suspension loop with a garnet cabochon. 1.98 grams, 23.71 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.