Loading, please wait...
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Roman Roof Tile with Legion XIIIG Stamp
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Terracotta fragment with impressed stamp '[...] XIIIIG' for Legio XIV Gemina. 345 grams, 14 cm
From the collection of a Buckinghamshire, UK, collector established from the earlier 1960s.
Legio XIV Gemina ("The Twinned Fourteenth Legion") was raised by Julius Caesar in 57 BC; its cognomen Gemina (Twinned) was added when it was merged with another legion after the Battle of Actium. It took part in the defeat of Boudicca in AD 61. -
Roman Black Glass Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £65
Restrung designer necklace string of tubular, oblate and other types. 11.3 grams, 45 cm
London, UK, collection, 2000s. -
Roman Bronze Bacchus Mount with Silver Inlay
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
The god of wine shown with grotesque features and stern expression, neatly arranged long beard, short horns and vine-leaf crown resting on the brow. 28.6 grams, 44 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.