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LOT 0147
Roman Lead Coffin Panel Fragment with Sphinx
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
15 in. (3.3 kg, 38 cm).
Decorated with a high-relief pattern comprising a sphinx reclining on a dais surrounded by laurel leaves; ropework and floral border strips with laurel leaves; raised lip below the upper edge. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-early 1990s.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
See Payne, G., Roman Leaden Coffin discovered at Plumstead in Archaeologia Cantiana, Vol.17, 1887, fig.10, for the presence of lead sarcophagi in Roman Britain; for a similar specimen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no.31.116a-i; Penn Museum, coffin panel B10280, from Lebanon (Tyre).
FootnotesThis item belongs to types widespread in the Eastern Mediterranean. The panel is decorated with a columned structure, and within each section were symbols of the outer-world, like gorgons, sphinx and dolphins. The sphinx, having a human head and breasts, legs and paws of a lion, and wings of a bird, was generally associated with protecting imperial tombs and temples.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Fresco Wall Plaster Collection
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Second style painted in cream and red, some with decoration. 527 grams total, 6.7-11.8 cm
Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.
These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seems to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle. -
Roman Bronze Duck-Headed Ladle
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With broad bowl and inturned rim, D-section handle, with one remaining hooked duck-head-head finial. 208 grams, 26.5 cm
Private collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, 1990s, thence by descent. -
Roman Bronze Military Belt Mount Group
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Group of three rectangular mounts each with a beaded border and low-relief motif. 12.2 grams total, 31-34 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.
