Roman Gold Pendant with Beads

With deep bowl, integral square-section handle and loop finial. 66 grams, 23 cm



UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.

This type of ladle was used for libations of wine to the gods during sacrifices. The shape of the simpulum was that of a small cup, with a single elongated handle. The material of which it was made varied according to the wealth of the altar; there were specimens in silver; some were of brass and others made of wood or terracotta. This simpulum or simpuvium is often found depicted on Roman medals or coins, like a denarius of Augustus (2 B.C.-2 A.D.).

Moulmade with large handle; squat pear-shaped body, open discus with large central filling hole surrounded by two rows of radiating lines and ridge that forms a narrow channel to the nozzle; base decorated with a stylised Chrismon. 78 grams, 94 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The type belongs probably to a variant of so-called Late Ephesian Lamps, i.e. lamps of Asia Minor. Late Ephesian type lamps have very characteristic underbodies. Several examples have an impressed circular mark, for example a cross formed of four vertically placed small circles with two more placed horizontally, or a Chi Rho, like in this example.

Modelled in the half-round with a dressed hair and stylised facial features; bare-chested except for a folded cloak fastened over his left shoulder. 34.5 grams, 42.5 mm



Acquired from J. S. Fine Art, Bodicote, Oxfordshire, UK. Property of a Shropshire private collector.