Choose Category:

Home > Auctions > Starting 5th December 2023 > Roman Redware Fish Sherd with Christian Symbols

Print page | Email lot to a friend

Back to previous page


Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Gallery loading...

LOT 0675

Sold for (Inc. bp): £85

ROMAN REDWARE FISH SHERD WITH CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
6 7/8 in. (178 grams, 17.5 cm).

Flat ceramic sherd with incised concentric rings, band of impressed alternating lozenges and roundels, group of four fish to the centre; fabric-backed. [No Reserve]

PROVENANCE:
Acquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister

LITERATURE:
Cf. Corrado, M., ‘Sigillata Africana C decorata a rilievi applicati e a matrice dal territorio di Nicotera (Sealed Africana C decorated with applied reliefs and matrix from the Nicotera' territory)’ in Givigliano, G.P., D’Andrea, M., Insediamenti e paesaggi dalla Preistoria al Tardo Antico sul monto Poro, Vibo Valentia, 2014, pp.167-221, figs.27,49,50, for similar images.

FOOTNOTES:
The representation of fish on this terra sigillata from a North African workshop suggests the connection with Christian faith through the fish symbol. The ancient Greek: 'ἰχθύς', was an acronym for the phrase ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God’, in Greek, and was used by early Christians for this reason. The fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome and was used as a recognition symbol among the early Christians.

CONDITION
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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.