Roman Polychrome Tesserae Group

A nude bronze figure of Hermes, modelled standing, holding a caduceus and a coin bag, wearing a winged petasos. 38.5 grams, 61 mm



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.

A lozengiform plate brooch with sub-circular lugs to each corner and shallow decorative notching along each straight edge, the lugs with a red enamel fill, the centre displaying a millefiori panel composed of square tiles alternating between red squares within a yellow border and a dark blue cross with red centre in a red border; pin lug, pin and catchplate to reverse. 9.52 grams, 27 mm



Ex European collection. Acquired in the mid 1990s. Property of a Harrow, UK, gentleman.

A Roman or Parthian bone figurine of a female with holes to accept pegs for separate articulated arms, hatching to the piled hairstyle, incised facial features, tiered collar, slender body with drape detailing to the bodice, belt and skirt; pierced ears to accept earrings; mounted on a custom-made stand. 214 grams total, 18 cm including stand

Fine condition.

Family collection since the 1960s. with Christie's, London, 29 April 2010, lot 373. Property of a Brussels gentleman. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.

The doll was made of a carved bone figure of woman with separate arms attached to the body, and pieces for the ears. All the surface shows extensive marks of working by a saw, knife or a file. The body is made from bone, and the style of the doll is typical of Roman Britain. The separate parts were attached with pins or string. On the doll are still visible the little holes for the connecting string.