Roman Gemstone Group

A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 37 grams total, 14-23 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.

Featuring three intaglios: on the left, a carnelian intaglio of Minerva holding a winged figure of Victory in her hand, shield and spear on the field; at the centre, a green plasma intaglio of Omphale with club and lionskin; at the far right, a carnelian intaglio of a cupid stirring a bucket with a stick, a rare motif; set in a later Georgian-style gold ring. 8.92 grams, 25.35 mm overall, 19.62 x 17.86 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13364-257949.

Gems decorated with depictions of main deities of the Roman pantheon include gems with portraits of Jupiter or Jupiter Nikephoros, goddess Athena-Minerva or Minerva Romae, patron of Rome, Mars as Mars Ultor or Victor Tropaeophoros, and Victoria, goddess of victory.

Comprising an elegantly carved lower part of the calf and foot, a detailed rendering of the toes; the proportions suggesting that the subject was a child or a young woman; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 771 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



Nicolas Koutoulakis (1910-1996), thence by descent. Ex Galerie Dominique Thirion, Brussels, 1990s. Private collection of Mr K.A., France. with Kallos Gallery, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13010-246748.

The foot was a prominent feature on sculptures: more susceptible to weathering and the ravages of time than a head or a torso, the fragments that survive are often badly damaged. It is also possible that this piece belonged to a sculpture created via the acrolith technique, in which the sculptor focused his attention solely on the unclothed parts of the figure, which were made from a more valuable material than the rest of the piece.