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LOT 0734
Roman Oyster Fork
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
4 1/8 in. (6 grams, 10.4 cm).
A bronze oyster fork comprising a tapering balustered handle, hoop and two long tines. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired early 2000s.
Property of a Birmingham, UK, collector.
Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Marble Hand Holding Rope
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A marble left hand modelled in the round gripping a sinuous object, likely a rope; semi-naturalistic detailing to the nails and palm. 738 grams, 12 cm
New York art market, 1992. -
Roman Key with Chain
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
A key composed of a D-section handle and integral loop, decorated with hatched geometric motifs, notched rectangular-section stem and rectangular bit with six teeth; chain composed of nine links. 18.8 grams, 22 cm
Fine condition.
Acquired Munich, Germany, late 1990s. Property of an East London gentleman. -
Roman Silver-Gilt Cicada Brooch
4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £494
A silver-gilt brooch in form of cicada with hollow-formed D-section head and neck, flat triangular wings; the head with bulbous eyes above a waisted neck; granule detailing to the head; pin-lug and catch-wire to the reverse. 3.82 grams, 23 mm
Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
This type of brooch was popular among the Hunnic tribes, as well as in Roman Pannonia and Illyricum before the arrival of the Huns. Early Hunnic designs from Pannonia may have borrowed from late Roman types. With the arrival of new populations due to migration from the east, a new material culture developed, described as the Danubian or Ponto-Danubian style, as many of its features appear in the Pontic region as well. Although the exact meaning of the cicada brooch is not known to us, it is possible that it retained its ancient symbolism of rebirth or regeneration of the soul.