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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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AUCTIONS:
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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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Romano-Egyptian Bronze Snake Ring
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Coiled body with one tapering terminal and the other formed the head of a snake with punched eyes and scale design behind the head. 2.90 grams, 22.91 mm overall, 19.52 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Silenus
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Squat lamp with broad shoulder, stub nozzle, lug handle to rear; base with impressed 'H°' maker's mark; discus with bust of Silenus and wine-cup. 55 grams, 79 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Roman Bronze Openwork Equal-Arm Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With a wide openwork bow, short foot to each end with a stylised face; pin lugs and pin to the reverse. 16 grams, 55 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
