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LOT 0892
Roman Gnostic Haematite Bifacial Gemstone with Uterus and Inscription
CIRCA 3RD CENTURY A.D.
5/8 in. (1.25 grams, 15 mm).
Dscoid in plan with enigmatic legend to obverse 'ΟΡωΡΙΟΥΘ', reverse with incised schematic uterus(?) and tendrils.
ProvenanceAcquired on the European art market, from a collection formed in the 1990s.
Property of a London, UK, antiquarian.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0892
Roman Gnostic Haematite Bifacial Gemstone with Uterus and Inscription
Estimate £300 - 400€350 - 460 (for guidance only)$410 - 540 (for guidance only)
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 34.8 grams total, 15-24 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. -
Roman Bronze Plaque with Goddess Cybele
3rd century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Rectangular plaque with stepped herringbone border, facing bust of Cybele with flaring turret-crown and cascading hair, symbols in the field. 430 grams, 94 mm
From the collection of a European gentleman living in South London; acquired 1970-1980. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13307-258227.
Cybele was the great Phrygian mother of the gods, and goddess of motherhood, fertility and the mountain wilds. -
Roman Bronze VICTOR Ring
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Bids: 2 | Current Bid: £10
Comprising a slender D-section hoop and a large oval bezel with laurel wreath and inscription 'VICTOR'. 4.29 grams, 20.63 mm overall, 16.44 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
