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LOT 0152
Roman Gold Ring with Bust of the God Serapis
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (5.65 grams, 27.68 mm overall, 18.70 x 15.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)).
Hollow-formed hoop with broad ellipsoid cell, inset red jasper intaglio profile bust of Serapis with modius; possibly a marriage, supplied with a museum-quality impression.
ProvenancePrivate European collection.
Acquired in 2002.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13122-246778.
Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 142, for type.
FootnotesSerapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god combining the Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis, but with a decidedly Greek appearance. He was promoted by Ptolemy I in the 3rd century BC to help unite the Greek and Egyptian people. Later, Ptolemaic rulers spread his worship, and Serapis became popular across the Roman Empire. Outside Egypt, he was often identified as Isis's partner, replacing Osiris. Over time, he also adopted traits associated with the Greek gods, Hades and Dionysus.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0152
Roman Gold Ring with Bust of the God Serapis
Estimate £2,500 - 3,500€2,900 - 4,060 (for guidance only)$3,380 - 4,730 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£1,250 (EUR 1,450; USD 1,688) ‡+BP*
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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. 33.6 grams total, 13-22 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. -
Late Roman Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp with Animal Head Handle
Holy Land, circa 5th-7th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Handle to the rear with two large lateral projections, radiating ribs surrounding the filler hole, scroll motifs on the nozzle; low basal ring with scroll motifs. 73 grams, 10.6 cm
Ex Ancient Art Shop, Windsor, UK, 1990s. Ex private West County, UK, collection. -
Roman Lead Glazed Oil Lamp
4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Tall circular body with squat nozzle and a lug handle to the rear, an inked collector's note '521' on the base; rare. 90 grams, 93 mm
From an important collection of lamps, Germany, 1970s.
