Loading, please wait...
LOT 0814
Roman Glass and Stone Gem Collection
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 1 1/8 in. (12 grams total, 7-28 mm).
Comprising: two banded agate gems, one in glass imitating banded agate, two glass carbuncles, and others. [10, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
PublishedCf. for the employment of green gemstones of the same type Nikopoulou, M., Karampelas, S., Tsangaraki E., Papadopoulou L., Katsifas C., Nazlis I., Touloumtzidou L., Melfos V., Kantiranis N., 'Study of green-coloured gems of the Roman period from the collections of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (Greece) and their possible geographic origin' in Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 14 January 2024, pp.1341-1354, fig. 1.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Agate Gemstone of Syncretistic Fortuna in Gold Ring
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £819
Intaglio of syncretistic Fortuna, winged like Victory and helmeted like Minerva in a long robe holding a rudder with an ear of corn and poppy; set into an antique gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 3.22 grams, 23.31 mm overall, 19.46 x 19.15 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R, USA 8 1/2, Europe 18 3/4, Japan 18)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. -
Roman Gnostic Haematite Bifacial Gemstone with Uterus and Inscription
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
Dscoid in plan with enigmatic legend to obverse 'ΟΡωΡΙΟΥΘ', reverse with incised schematic uterus(?) and tendrils. 1.25 grams, 15 mm
Acquired on the European art market, from a collection formed in the 1990s. Property of a London, UK, antiquarian. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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.
