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LOT 1351
Roman Carved Gemstone Collection
1ST CENTURY B.C. AND LATER
3/8 - 1/2 in. (2.85 grams total, 9-13 mm).
Comprising: a transparent agate intaglio with a profile bust; a banded agate intaglio with a kneeling figure; an agate cameo with a female head; a red jasper intaglio with a putto; an oval thick intaglio with a profile female bust. [5, No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK private collection assembled 1970s-90s, and thence to the liquidated state of above.
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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LOT 1351
Roman Carved Gemstone Collection
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
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Late Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp
6th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Slipper-shaped type with hatching to the shoulder, ribbed nozzle, rectangular handle with raised cruciform motif, underside with cross-in-circle motif and inked '397' legend. 185 grams, 12.5 cm
Ex important German collection, 1970s onwards. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
1st century B.C.-3rd 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. 34.96 grams total, 13-22 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. -
Roman Bronze Key Ring Group
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £120 - 170 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A group of five bronze key rings, each with perpendicular ward and plain ring. 34.8 grams total, 21-32 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
