Roman Red Marble Thumb Pestle

3RD-6TH CENTURY A.D.

4 3/4 in. (312 grams, 12 cm).

Pestle or grinding tool, the handle formed as a thumb with knuckle and nail detailing; old collector's label '2' to underside.

Provenance

Ex private collection, Mrs L.S., 1980s.
Acquired from the above, 1999.
Private European collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12096-218201.

Literature

Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 25, for type.

Footnotes

Such items were mainly used by medical staff for grinding ingredients such as medicinal compounds, cosmetics and culinary spices.

CONDITION

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LOT 0702