Roman Iron Knife with Bronze Handle

With intaglio profile bust of Constantine with pteruges and cloak clasped at the shoulder; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 5.36 grams, 26 mm



Acquired in the late 1970s. Property of a London, UK, private collector. From an old London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12806-241223. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Biconvex with intaglio palm-tree motif. 0.2 grams, 10 mm



From the private collection of Mr K.A., acquired in the 1990s-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Diverse and sometimes exotic imagery can be found on Roman gemstones, like the ones from sites like Caerleon, showing a Roman gemstone in agate depicting a palm tree with dates. These gemstones, often featuring bucolic scenes and symbols of prosperity, were sometimes made of materials coming from the different corners of the empire or even distant lands like Cyprus, Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka. Palm trees were symbols of abundance and fertility, and were a common motif on Roman gemstones even before the advent of Christianity, when the palm tree was associated with the glorious entrance of God in Jerusalem. They were sometimes depicted with other elements like parrots, further highlighting the exotic nature of some Roman gemstone designs.

Bell-shaped in profile with carinated shoulder, applied trail foot; formed from mosaic glass panels with floral and other motifs; repaired with modern aqua glass. 68 grams, 94 mm wide



Acquired on the UK art market, 1977-1979. Private collection, London. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.