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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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Medical Instrument, Stylus and Spatula Group
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Private collection, USA, formed in the 1980s. -
Roman Bronze Bracelet
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Penannular D-section in form with three raised rectangular panels, incised hatching. 16.70 grams, 52 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Mars Gradivus
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The helmetted deity walking left on a ground line, carrying a trophy on his shoulder and holding a spear in his hand; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 0.90 grams, 16 mm
Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. Accompanied by an old collection ticket.
The moniker 'Mars Gradivus' is often translated as 'Marching Mars' from the latin 'gradus' meaning step or march.