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LOT 0947
Roman Redware Pottery Sherd with Olive Tree
CIRCA 4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
6 3/4 in. (87 grams, 17 cm).
Comprising a large edge section with impressed olive tree, with details of branches, fruit and foliage. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1960s-1990s.
From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
For similar foliage and vegetal applique on terra sigillata see Mackensen, M., 'The study of 3rd century African red slip ware based on the eividence from Tunisia' in Malfitana, D., Poblome, J. and Lund, J., Innovating Perspectives on Roman Pottery Studies, Atti del Convegno Internazionale di Studi Catania, 22-24 Aprile 2004, Catania, 2006, pp.105-124, fig.13.
FootnotesThe representation of an olive tree on this sigillata is not casual. In the early Imperial period the export of the Adriatic olive oil, following the amber road, moved from Aquileia to the provinces of Roman Pannonia. During the 3rd century, the production of the Spanish olive oil reached the Northern Roman provinces. Olives were transported in particular amphorae and served with specific vessels, distinguishing the black olives (olivae nerae) from the white olives (olivae albae).
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:
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Roman Terracotta Piriform Storage Vessel
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With everted rim and rounded shoulder; marine encrustation. 489 grams, 15 cm
From 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. -
Roman Bronze Horse Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
Formed as a standing horse, the hindlegs forming crossbar, tail forming hinged pin, forelegs forming catchplate; ring-and-dot motifs to shoulders, linear detailing to the mane. 11.8 grams, 35 mm
From 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. -
Roman Gold Ring with Pair of Birds on Nicolo Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £800
With a hollow-form hoop expanding at the shoulders, raised bezel set with a dark blue nicolo intaglio engraved with a pair of birds, one standing and the other stooped to pick something from the ground with its beak. 5.75 grams, 25.12 mm overall, 14.69 x 18.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J, USA 4 3/4, Europe 8.69, Japan 8)
From the collection of late AB, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
The type of ring (type II, variant I of Ruseva-Slokoska classification) is characterised by the ellipsoid hoop, rounded on the outside, widening to a horizontal triangular shape. The nicolo was often employed in rings of the 2nd-3rd century A.D.
