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LOT 0100
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Goddesses
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.02 grams, 17 mm).
Tabular type with incuse design of Fortuna standing with a cornucopia and rudder, goddess Victory before her holding tainia, the tips of her wings visible; edge chipped; supplied with a museum-quality impression. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
LiteratureCf. similar gemstone in Laing, J., Art and society in Roman Britain, Stroud, 2000, colour pl.6.
FootnotesA group of carnelian intaglios found in the Snettisham Hoard, Norfolk, comprised subjects like Fortuna, Diana, Spes, a modius with corn, a bird and a dolphin, from the mid-2nd century A.D.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0100
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Goddesses
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Roman Silver Ladle with Beast Finial
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £333
With broad bowl and in-turned rim, square-section long handle looped at the end with a beast-head finial; repaired and in two pieces with a custom-made display stand. 70 grams, 22.5 cm (317 grams total, 25.5 cm including stand)
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 35.5 grams total, 16-21 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' 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. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Female Bust
4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Low-relief wreath motif decorating the shoulder arranged like a palm tree, a female bust facing right on the discus and a lug handle to the rear. 110 grams, 11.3 cm
From the private coin collection of a West London, UK, gentleman, formed since the mid 1980s.
