Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0161
Roman Gold Beetle Type Earrings
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 5/8 in. (4.48 grams total, 40 mm each).
Matched pair, each a hooked pin with a large hollow-formed domed panel and a smaller one above, dangle beneath with two iridescent glass beads.
Provenance
Private collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent.
Literature
Cf. for the upper part of similar earrings Marshall, F.H., Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the department of antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, pl.LIV, nos.2616.
Footnotes
The pair of gold earrings is in the form of a very broad "boat-shaped" crescent. The back was often filled in with a concave plate of gold, and a lenticular disc above masked the junction of the S-shaped wire hook with the body of the earring. They are typical of the 1st -2nd century A.D.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Glass Bead Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A group of oblate polychrome beads, including two fragmentary beads, and beads with mosaic and trailed decoration. 30.64 grams total, 8.15-17.63 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Large Roman Cut-Glass Beaker
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £900
With a thick conical body and a pontil base, five horizontal grooves cut around the outer face of the body; traces of iridescence. 295 grams, 19 cm
Dr Jutaro Kawabe, Nagoya, Japan, his collection formed in the 1960s-1970s. with Hoshigaoka Gallery until the late 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13277-254062.
Conical vessels of this form could be used as either a lamp or a beaker; notably during the late imperial period in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire and in the early Migration period. Deep cuts on this piece suggest it was used with suspension chains or ropes, making it highly likely that this example was used as a lamp. -
Roman Terracotta Perfume Bottle
Circa 1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Bulbous body and flat base, a tubular neck with an everted rim. 27 grams, 65 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet with reference no.A17.