Roman Celestial Intaglio Gemstone

A reused tablet with a recessed writing field on side one, containing twenty-one lines in younger Roman cursive script, the lower edge slightly damaged but not affecting the text; side two with a broad flat-bottomed groove (sulcus), originally containing the cord with which the tablets of a legal document were bound together, the cord was fixed with wax, and on the wax the witnesses’ seals were impressed to certify that the document was not opened, since both the wax and the older text had been removed; this tablet had been reused at least once; the tablet shows similar features (material, use of ink, writing style etc.) like several other similar tablets and as far as can be seen, it was part of a private archive of legal documents probably of a family bearing the nomen gentile Iulius and living in the 3rd and 4th century A.D. in the north African province of Byzacena; this unique tablet is the copy (Latin exemplum, see page 1, line 1) of a document regarding the tutorship of Iulius Maianus, who is well known from several other tabulae, he was the son of Iulius Dontiquus, who died in 282 A.D.; in his will (from 281 A.D.) his father appointed as tutors for his son his two paternal uncles Iulius Felix and Iulius Fortunatus, both are mentioned on this tablet, as well as a specialised judge (iudex tutelarius) Iulius Faustus who was involved with the supervision of the tutorship; Iulius Maianus was at that time still a very young child, unable to write himself (sine litteris). 110 grams, 24.5 cm



From an important London collection since 1975. Accompanied by a copy of an academic report by Prof. Dr Peter Rothenhoefer. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11957-209850.

This extraordinary document contains references to properties of Iulius Maianus, which were to be administered by his tutors. Among other things, auctoritates agrorum (ownership titles over land) are mentioned. The language is typical for Roman legal documents and contains highly developed legal formula which apparently was well known in Roman North Africa.

With a saint and globus cruciger; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.60 grams, 12 mm



From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.

In yellow-greenish translucent glass, globular body with flaring funnel neck, dimpled base. 26.8 grams, 87 mm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The type was popular in the late Roman period, especially in the east. Its characteristic trait is an oval body, convex base and a neck with a funnel-like upper part.