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LOT 0609
Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Symbols
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (0.84 grams, 17 mm).
An epigraphic gem of oval shape, with a smooth surface on one side and inscriptions of a magical-Christian nature engraved in tondos and tabulae ansatae on the other side, one bearing the Greek letters Α and ω (Alpha and Omega) above the letters I and X.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
The letter Alfa and Omega (A W) are a clear link with a Christian cult, especially in this case in which the two letters are incised over the other two letter Iota and Chi IX, initials of the Greek Iesus Xριστός 'Christ'. The letters Alpha and Omega are symbols of eternity of the Divine Figure (I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Revelation, 22.13).
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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A lozengiform plate brooch with sub-circular lugs to each corner and shallow decorative notching along each straight edge, the lugs with a red enamel fill, the centre displaying a millefiori panel composed of square tiles alternating between red squares within a yellow border and a dark blue cross with red centre in a red border; pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. 9.52 grams, 27 mm
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Roman Statuette Base
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A copper-alloy statuette base formed with a waisted edge and circular upper and lower faces, the lower with a greater circumference than the upper. 86 grams, 53 mm
Essex gallery, early 2000s. -
Roman Triclinium Finial Set
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A set of four copper-alloy triclinium (bed) finials, each with a bell-shaped body and baluster style finial; hollow to base. 1.18 kg total, 9.6-10.1 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The Romans, like the Greeks, ate whilst reclined on beds. The eating bed (lectus triclinaris) was a luxury furniture item crafted by carpenters. From the 2nd century B.C., Romans started to create 'lecti aerati, inargentati, inaurati, eborati, testudinei,' i.e. beds made of wood and covered with bronze, silver, gold and ivory fittings (as in our specimens) or with scales of other precious material. Such elements were sometimes sculpted in the shape of an animal protome, or were simply bell-shaped, like our specimens.
