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LOT 0725
Roman Deep Blue Glass and Other Bead Necklace String
1ST CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
19 3/ in. (16.1 grams, 50 cm long).
Assorted old blue glass beads restrung to a Y-shape with a crescentic-shaped pendant. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceUK gallery, early 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Boschetti, C., Gratuze, B., Cavalieri, M., Schibile, N., ‘Production or Consumption? Glass Beads from the Roman Villa of Aiano, Tuscany,’ in European Journal of Archaeology, 25 (2)fig.4, nos.6,7,13,10,17,11-12 for similar beads.
FootnotesThe mass production of glass in Ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Roman jewellery at first followed trends set by the Etruscans, using gold and glass beads, but as the power and spread of the Roman Empire increased, jewellery designs became increasingly elaborate, incorporating elements from different cultural styles.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with phallus to the right, hand in the fica gesture to the left and male genitals below; each with a loop beneath for attachment of another pendant; large loop above and attachment strap with stud. 81.5 grams, 68 mm
Acquired in Europe in 1990s. European private collection. -
Roman Gold Ring with Mani in Fede Gemstone for Aiax
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
Comprising a hollow-formed hoop with rounded shoulders, inset garnet intaglio with clasped hands and 'AIAX' inscription. 2.79 grams, 21.00 mm overall, 14.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British E, USA 2 1/4, Europe 2.41, Japan 2)
Acquired in Europe in 1992. with Million Cornette de Saint Cyr, Hotel Regina, 12 December 2009. European private collection.
The Romanised name 'Aiax' is given to the hero Αἴας of the Trojan war, who carried off the body of Achilles and fought Hector. The subject of two clasped hands (dextrarum junctio) symbolising the fides (loyalty, trust), was very popular on Roman rings and gems. It was mainly used on marriage rings, sometimes with the equivalent Greek inscription 'OMONOIA'. Sometimes it was used in terms of military loyalty between commander and army. In this case it is most probable the name of the groom (AIAX). -
Roman Bronze Celtic Bound Captive Statuette
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Modelled as a slender man with thick hair and beard, seated and naked with rope binding the hands together at his back; mounted on a custom-made stand. 104 grams total, 51 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
