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LOT 0092
Roman Gemstone with Zeus Serapis and Isis
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
3/8 in. (0.28 grams, 10 mm).
A gem with a representation of Zeus Serapis enthroned, modius on his head, sceptre and eagle by his side, Isis Gubernatrix to his right and Isis sail-bearer to his left, all three figures riding a galley or cargo ship.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
Cf. Bricault, L., Isis Pelagia: Images, Names and Cults of a Goddess of the Seas, Leiden-Boston, 2020, figs. 75, 78, 80, for similar gemstones.
FootnotesThis triad formed by Serapis and the two aspects of Isis (Gubernatrix and sail-bearer) aboard a ship, appears in several examples of Alexandrian coinage and gemstones. This imagery is linked to the image of Isis, goddess of the sea, and Serapis, god of vegetation and protector of the sailors.
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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'The Uttoxeter' Roman Octagonal Rolling Dice
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
An octagonal bronze 'Stabwuerfel' rolling dice with rounded terminals, drilled dot numbering rotating the rod clockwise: 1; 4-4; 3; 5; 2; 7; 4; 6; an additional single dimple to the end face of one terminal; all numbers are drilled at the centre of the rod with the exception of the number 8, which is split into two groups of 4, located at either end. 58 grams, 54 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector rear North Uttoxeter, East Staffordshire, UK, on Saturday 11th March 2017, by Martin Colclough. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no. LANCUM-E6101C where it states: 'Stabwuerfel (germ. rod dice) are very rare in this country and this is the first one recorded on this database...This die will be marked a Find of Note for the area...and has been designated: Potential for inclusion in Britannia.'
The PAS report describes this find of note as being 'in extremely good condition'. The dots may once have had an enamel fill. -
Roman Bone Dice Group
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £89
A group of two bone dice: one of tabular form with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:2, 3:4, 5:6; one cuboid with one damaged face, markings disposed 2:5, 3:4, 6: [1 absent]. 3.79 grams total, 11 mm each
Fine condition; one with damaged face.
Ex UK art market, 1970s. Property of a London gentleman. -
Roman Glass Face Bulla
Eastern Mediterranean, 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £350 - 450 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £194
A spherical polychrome glass bead with integral suspension lug, decorated with millefiori face cane slices and geometric motifs. 2.29 grams, 16 mm
Fine condition.
Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.
