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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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Roman Bronze Figural Pendant
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Amuletic bust of a bare-chested youth with abundant hair and prominent torc to the neck, suspension loop above; usage wear; mounted on a custom-made stand. 56 grams, 61 mm (80 grams total, 96 mm including stand)
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. -
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 Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £26
Composed of graduated green beads in various shapes, restrung to a Y-shape. 9.52 grams, 37 cm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s.
