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LOT 0602
Roman Historic Cut & Polished Porphyry Slice Group
1ST-5TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
2 1/4 - 4 3/4 in. (81 grams total, 5.8-12.2 cm).
Comprising three lacquered porphyry slices of rectangular shape, cut on both faces and polished on one face; probably from recycled material mined in ancient Roman times between the 1st and 5th century A.D.; intended for use as inlay panels. [3]
ProvenanceFrom Egypt.
Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK.
Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).
Mons Porphyrites (today Jabal Abu Dukhkhan) is the mountainous site of a group of ancient quarries in the Red Sea Hills of the inhospitable eastern desert in Egypt, a five day trip from the Nile during Roman times. They were discovered by Caius Cominus Leugas in 18 A.D., and during the Roman Empire the mines officially belonged to the emperor and were the only known source of the Imperial Porphyry, Mons Porphyrites. This dark purple stone was associated with royalty and used for prestigious sculpture and architecture. The location of the mines was lost some time in the 5th century, and rediscovered in the early 19th century. Excavations in the area have revealed the well-preserved quarries and the dwelling places of the quarry men, and also thousands of ostraca have been discovered containing messages that provide details of how the quarrying took place, and of how the highly skilled quarrymen ordered their food.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Gold Marriage Ring with Clasped Hands and Eagle
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Bifid form with parallel bands and lentoid bezels, one with low-relief clasped hands motif, the other with a bird holding a frond. 3.45 grams, 17.96 mm overall, 15.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Double-Handled Flask
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Aqua glass jar with bulbous body, broad neck, double-folded flange rim, two lateral strap handles extending from the mouth to the shoulder. 49 grams, 10 cm high
Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present. -
'The East Lindsey' Romano-British Bronze Hooded Male Statuette
43-150 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Standing adorant, wearing a knee-length tunic, the right arm held across the body to support the left hand raised to the mouth; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 102 grams total, 83 mm including stand
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, UK, on Wednesday 19th August 1998. 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. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.NLM995.
This small statuette of a male figure in short hooded cloak (cucullus) has the left arm raised towards the chin, and the right arm lies on left arm just below the wrist. A similar statuette in PAS is identified as possibly depicting an adorant.
