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LOT 0664
Roman Mosaic Stone Tesserae Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 1/2 in. (357 grams total, 8-13 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 Gold Ring with Glass Bezel
2nd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £800 - 1,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £400
With a hollow-form D-section hoop and tall oval bezel set with a glass intaglio bearing a profile bust of a lady, her hair pulled back to a chignon at the nape of the neck. 3.07 grams, 25.34 mm overall, 16.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British M, USA 6, Europe 12.46, Japan 12)
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Bone Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Each cuboid with ring-and-dot markings arranged 1:6, 2:5; 3:4. 7.48 grams, 12 mm each
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Western Asiatic and Roman Ceramic Vessel Group
3rd century B.C.-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising: a small strainer or feeding vessel with bulbous body and everted neck, the top pierced with five holes, strap handle and a small tubular spout; a discoid oil lamp in coarseware with a stylised elephant above a small filler hole. 312 grams total, 9.6-11.1 cm
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
