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LOT 0660
Roman Iridescent Glass Bangle Pair
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.
2 3/8 in. (10.3 grams total, 60 mm each).
Each a slender D-section hoop with some iridescent surface. [2, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an old English collection.
Acquired from Helios Gallery in 2011.
Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Kunstmuseum Luzern, 3000 Jahre Glaskunst, Luzern, 1981, p.103, lett.A, for similar bracelets.
FootnotesThe mass production of glass in ancient Rome prompted the development of glass jewellery of unique qualities. The ancient Romans considered jewellery to be an essential accessory, being a public display of the wealth of high social classes. Recent excavations have provided better information on the use of glass for necklaces and bracelets, and in some cases it has been possible to understand the exact arrangement of the jewellery.
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 Silver Cochlearium Spoon
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With 'swan-neck' junction; facetted, round-section tapering shank; shallow bowl shaped like a flask in profile. 19.7 grams, 17.5 cm
Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, private collector. Accompanied by an illustrated collector's identification tag. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The spoon's shaft tapers to a point; it was used for extracting seafood or snails from their shells. Spoons executed in precious metals were highly valued items in this period in history, so much so that historians and classicists see them recorded in inventories compiled for noble households. Cochlearia like this one have even been discovered in treasure hoards. The absence of Christian symbolism or of a Christian inscription on this spoon might suggest that it dates from a pre-Christian era, or that its owner/commissioner was pagan. -
Roman Decorated Bronze Armour Clasp
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Formed of a rectangular plaque with punched decoration, hook to one end and an open loop to the other. 5.28 grams, 68 mm
Ex Californian collection, USA, 1980s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Flared Glass Beaker
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
A 'lotus bud' style beaker with tapering cylindrical body, everted rim and shallow pontil with applied rim to base (partly absent). 117 grams, 11.5 cm
From an important glass collection, London, UK, 1980-1990. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.