Roman Gemstone Group

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 41.2 grams total, 17-22 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' refers to a four-sided shape. 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.

Comprising an iridescent piriform body, tapering tubular neck with pinched and everted rolled rim. 9.44 grams, 84 mm



Acquired on the European art market in 2001.

Indented toilet bottles with long necks are rather common. In Western provinces of the Roman Empire, they occur most frequently in and around the Rhineland. In the Eastern part of the Empire, find places include Crete, Cyprus, Anatolia, Syria and Egypt.

Dolphin-type T-shaped bow brooch with tapering crossbar, bow ornamented with segmentation to the obverse and enamel fill; trumpet-shaped lobe finial; catch and hinged pin to reverse. 6.17 grams, 36 mm



Found near North Ripon, Yorkshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector.