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LOT 0757
Roman Mosaic Stone Tesserae Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1/4 - 1/2 in. (350 grams total, 7-14 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.
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 (plural 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 Comic Actor's Mask Mount
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
With a braided wig, exaggerated scooped mouth and grotesque features, hollow to the reverse. 24.9 grams, 33 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s. -
Roman Gold Pendant with Carnelian Intaglio of Goddess Venus
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Gold cell with flange rim and three lateral loops; inset intaglio of a cloaked goddess (Venus) with a distaff and diadem, caressing a hare. 5.68 grams, 22 mm
From the collection of a deceased Lady collector, 1970s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12957-243670.
Symbol of fertility and of good luck, the hare became a popular motif in the pre-Roman Era on the coins of Messina, Etruscan art and coins and Calenian pottery. The hare was a sacred animal to Venus (Aphrodite), often depicted in her worship and associated with love and fertility. -
Roman or Gandharan Silver Flat-Bottom Bowl
Circa late 1st century B.C.-early 1st century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Squat in profile with a gently domed base, curved sidewall with carination below the rim. 244 grams, 17 cm
Acquired from a private UK collection prior to 1979. Ex Julian Sherrier collection, a leading figure in Gandharan art. with Christie's, New York, sale 2337, 14th September 2010, no.51 (part). Accompanied by the original Christie's lot ticket and bar code label.
