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LOT 0123
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
2ND-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (2.84 grams, 24 mm).
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfered rim to obverse with womb with key and roots; above womb the figures of Isis, Anubis, Chnoubis, and Nephthys (from left to right); reverse with facing Medusa mask with wings to the brow below a coiled snake, spiders and other items.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12354-225280.
Cf. similar item in Gordon, R., 'Archaeologies of Magical Gems' in Entwistle, C., Adams, N., Gems of Heaven, recent research on engraved Gemstones in Late Antiquity, c. AD 200-600, London, 2011, pp.39-49, pl.5; see also BM inv.no.EA56076, for similar gemstone.
FootnotesDuring the Graeco-Roman period, the traditional genres of Egyptian or Near Eastern temple magic gems, particularly protective magic against demons, snakes and scorpions, seemed largely to have disappeared, and new genres became dominant, for different types of divination (direct visions of god, bowl divination, dream sending, Homer oracles), malign magic, aggressive (mainly erotic) magic, magic for personal success and attractiveness. This type of amulet was intended to aid childbirth and avoid illness and dangers for its attendant.
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LOT 0123
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Elaborate Roman Bronze Oil Lamp with Lion Mask
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,250
Substantial hollow-formed drum-shaped body with waisted nozzle, lateral integral lion-mask, stepped discus with leaf detailing, pelta-shaped reflector plate to rear with lateral wreath detailing and palmette motif; three-bar caged handle beneath. 1 kg, 23.3 cm
Acquired on the German art market in 1987. Ex Gorny and Mosch, 18 December 2013, no.502. 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 search certificate number no.12346-225410.
This lamp belongs to the typology of ‘rounded bodies and volute spines’, typical of 1st or early 2nd century A.D. These lamps had fairly shallow and round-walled oil-chambers with long flat-topped nozzles with splayed tips (here very shallow). The majority of these lamps are of Italic manufacture, and similar have been found in Pompeii (see lamp in Ashmolean Museum ANFORTNUM B.186). -
Roman Bronze Weight with Three Goddesses
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,430
Square panel with three figures modelled in the half-round - Isis Fortuna with a rudder, Minerva with a spear, Nona with a drop-spindle; to the reverse, lozenge within a ring with enigmatic 'VIKΠΔ' legend (bungled, for 'LIBRA'?). 78.7 grams, 38 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Romano-Parthian Bone Idol of a Female
Eastern Roman, 3rd century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Depicting a female figure with elaborately tied hairstyle, semi-naturalistic facial and anatomical detailing and geometric detailing to the garment wrapped around her lower body; stub arms; copper-alloy rivets to the shoulders. 77 grams, 19 cm high
with a London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
