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LOT 0746
Roman Mosaic Stone Tesserae Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3/8 - 5/8 in. (336 grams total, 9-14 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.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
For similar tesserae see Gabucci, A., Pejrani Baricco, L., Ratto, S., Per il Museo di Ivrea, La sezione archeologica del Museo Civico P.A. Garda, Sesto Fiorentino, 2014, cover, mosaic from a Domus of Eporedia.
FootnotesRoman mosaics were made from small cubes of natural stone and terracotta possibly cut from tile or brick. Each of these small cubes was called a tessera (several tesserae) from the Latin word for dice.
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 Bronze Traveller Statuette
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Hollow-formed figure wearing a paenula and with hands extended to support a patera or salver; mounted on a custom-made stand. 35.8 grams total, 64 mm including stand
From 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. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Iron Ring with Eagle Gemstone
1st-2nd century A.D.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
Ellipsoid jasper cloison with intaglio perching eagle with wings spread on top of a column; set in a ferrous finger ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 11.40 grams, 27.14 mm overall, 18.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Blue Glass Vessel with Iridescence
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Miniature glass jar with bulbous body, dimple base, short neck and flaring rim. 30 grams, 63 mm
Ex Louis-Gabriel Bellon (c.1819-1899), France. Private collection, Europe. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Globular jars such as this one have been found in many later 1st-early 2nd century contexts in Britain, central and Northern France, and the Netherlands. Louis-Gabriel Bellon was a prominent French collector of antiquities in the 19th century, renowned for his discerning taste and extensive knowledge of ancient art. His collection, which included Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts, was widely regarded as one of the most significant of its time. Bellon's dedication to the study and preservation of antiquities contributed to the broader understanding of ancient cultures during his era. Pieces from his collection remain highly sought after, reflecting his exceptional eye for quality and historical significance.
