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LOT 0180
Roman Imperial Silver Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Gryllos
2ND CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (8.83 grams, 22.17 mm overall, 16.02 x 13.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)).
Comprising a D-section hoop expanding at the shoulders, set with an intaglio with a composite animal figure (gryllos) advancing on a baseline, wearing a bridled horse protome with a twig in its mouth, a silen's mask on the breast, the tail formed as a ram's head with a twig in its mouth, and the legs of a cockerel.
ProvenanceUK private collection, acquired on the English market in the 2000s.
LiteratureCf. Boardman, J., Classical Phoenician Scarabs: A Catalogue and Study, Oxford, 2003, cat. no. 37/18 Tharros pl. 59e (BM ANE 133440), London no. 407, for a similarly-themed motif of a facing bearded head, with an African head to one side over a boar forepart; Boardman, J., 'Greek Gem Engravers, Their Subjects and Style' in Ancient Art in Seals: Essays by Pierre Amiet, Nimet Özgüç, and John Boardman, edited and introduced by Porada, E., Princeton, 1980, 113-114, for discussion.
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LOT 0180
Roman Imperial Silver Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Gryllos
Estimate £700 - 900€810 - 1,040 (for guidance only)$950 - 1,220 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£350 (EUR 406; USD 473) +BP*
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Roman Glass Artefact Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Including aqua glass stopper with knop handle, plano-convex spindle whorl with iridescent surface and other items; probably used as counters in boardgames. 32 grams total, 9-27 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference nos.A70, A99, & A118. -
Roman Gemstone Group
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Including a warrior with a long shield, a standing figure with a spear, Isis Minerva with cornucopia and rudder and other types; nine supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.05 grams total, 9-16 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 41.2 grams total, 17-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.