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LOT 0940
Roman Gemstone Collection
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 5/8 in. (2.66 grams total, 7-16 mm).
Mixed group including a standing female, a perching bird and others; each supplied with a museum-quality impression. [5]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
LiteratureCf. for similar gemstones Hoppal, K., 'Roman engraved gems from Southeast Asia' in Bartus D. (ed.), Dissertationes Archaeologicae ex Instituto Archaeologico Universitatis de Rolando Eotvos nominatae, Ser.3 No.9, Budapest, 2021, figs.1,2; 1,5; 2,2 and 2,5.
FootnotesTwo of the gemstones in this collection show cockerels. The motif of fighting or individual cockerels was very popular in the classical world, and individual cockerels (the animal often associated with gods, such as Mercury or Sol/Helios) were also often depicted in a standing position. Another gemstone appears to represent a nude figure of Dionysus/Bacchus draped in a long cloak, and another shows Helios with a radiate crown.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0940
Roman Gemstone Collection
Estimate £350 - 450€410 - 520 (for guidance only)$470 - 610 (for guidance only)
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Roman Glass Gem with She-Wolf
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
With intaglio lupa she-wolf on a pedestal; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.76 grams, 12.01 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £98
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 38 grams total, 15-20 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 Enamelled Bronze Sandal Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £163
Formed as the sole of a sandal with raised edges and a small loop to the rear; underside with remains of a catchplate and a pin. 4.41 grams, 39.8 mm
Ex Manchester collection, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous typed catalogue information card.
