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_900x900.jpg "Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus")
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LOT 0152
Roman Gold Amulet in the Shape of a Phallus
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
1 in. (8.35 grams, 23 mm).
Amuletic pendant of a phallus with testes, square suspension loop to the rear.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate no.12593-232171.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
See Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, items 424-425, for type.
FootnotesPhallic amulets, symbols of fertility, prosperity and happiness in the Roman world, are represented by numerous examples in most museums and in many private collections. The typologies are various within the four main series: a) phallus seen from the front; b) phallus seen from the side; c) double phallus and d) triple phallus.
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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Roman Bronze Bottle with Circular Design
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Spherical in profile with flat base, large raised concentric circles in two bands with smaller similar motifs between; separate balustered neck. 310 grams total, 40-66 mm
Acquired in London in 2002. European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12686-234678. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This is a rare type of Roman vessel, dated to the late Imperial period, between the late 3rd and 4th century A.D. The closest known parallel is a near-identical example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, which retains its original chain attachment and suspension holes at the shoulder. Such vessels were likely sealed with a perishable stopper and intended for storing or transporting perfumes or cosmetic oils. -
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Opening Bid: £2,778
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Private collection, Auvergne, France, 1970s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00131545. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12477-228801. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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Roman Marbled Gold in Glass Bottle
Early 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500
Cylindrical polychrome body tapering towards the angled shoulder, tubular neck and flat rim; circumferential lathe-cut lines to the body, base and rim. 85 grams, 89 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. 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.12613-234626. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Small bottles, lidded pyxides (boxes) of this type and luxury gold-band glass were made during the Julio-Claudian period. The production and widespread use of tableware in marbled glass in the Western empire took place between the end of the age of Augustus and the beginning of the age of Tiberius (circa 10-16 A.D.), reaching its peak in the period of Nero (54-68 A.D.).
