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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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Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The sword of Pompeii typology was the main side weapon of the Roman legionary from the second half of the 1st century A.D. until the end of the 2nd century A.D. In the Flavian Age, the scabbard was decorated with various bronze appliques: openwork decorated copper-alloy plates and chape, and over the chape, this distinctive bronze foliage mount, used only for these typologies of scabbards. -
Roman and Other Ancient Bead Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Comprising a large quantity of mainly stone, glass and ceramic beads in various shapes, including some amuletic beads. 164 grams total, 1-22 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Formed as stylised male genitalia with emphasised testes, substantial suspension loop above. 18.1 grams, 37.4 mm
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