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LOT 0890
Roman Mosaic Stone Tesserae Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 1/2 in. (337 grams total, 6-12 mm).
A mixed group of two hundred and fifty single tesserae of various colours and sizes, mostly cuboid. [250, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
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AUCTIONS:
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Late Roman Iridescent Blue Bracelet
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Round-section bangle with iridescent surface. 7.34 grams, 53 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Glass Bottle with Short Neck
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Mould-blown bottle comprising a flat-based tubular body and bell-shaped neck with applied flange rim. 46 grams, 95 mm
From a family collection mostly formed in the 1940s-1950s, thence by descent. -
Roman Haematite Magical Gemstone
2nd-4th century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Ellipsoid in plan with chamfered rim to obverse with womb with key and roots; above womb the figures of Isis, Anubis, Chnoubis, and Nephthys (from left to right); reverse with facing Medusa mask with wings to the brow below a coiled snake, spiders and other items. 2.84 grams, 24 mm
From the collection of magical objects of the late Mr A. Cotton, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12354-225280.
During the Graeco-Roman period, the traditional genres of Egyptian or Near Eastern temple magic gems, particularly protective magic against demons, snakes and scorpions, seemed largely to have disappeared, and new genres became dominant, for different types of divination (direct visions of god, bowl divination, dream sending, Homer oracles), malign magic, aggressive (mainly erotic) magic, magic for personal success and attractiveness. This type of amulet was intended to aid childbirth and avoid illness and dangers for its attendant.