Roman Engraved Bronze Flying Bird Brooch

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32.6 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.

Large conical body with a flaring foot, pinched in at the shoulders, a cylindrical neck with a folded rim and two applied handles. 105 grams, 11.5 cm



Private Israeli collection of Mr S.M. Roman glass from an important London collection, acquired from the early 1980s. Accompanied by a typed previous catalogue information page with provenance. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13441-263212.

A similar specimen, in a different colour, was found in a Romano-Egyptian tomb in Gurop, Egypt, and came into the possession of W.M. Flinders Petrie. Characteristics include two vertical handles, dropped on at the shoulder, bent at right angles to meet the neck bulge and then upwards again in a ring shape.

Conical in profile with trumpet-shaped mouth with stepped rim; constriction within the neck to control flow of liquid. 73 grams, 7.7 cm



Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent.