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LOT 0881
Roman Redware Sherd with Ornate Fish
CIRCA 4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 7/8 in. (1.34 grams, 48 mm).
Rectangular fragment from the lip of a large plate depicting an exotic fish with a sail-like dorsal fin and open jaws. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx P. Chapman collection, 1980s-1990s.
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 Bronze Phallic Pendant
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Curving pendant formed as an erect phallus with lateral testes, a large suspension loop above. 12.6 grams, 49 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Bone Gaming Dice Pair
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Two cuboid dice with ring-and-dot markings disposed 1:6,2:5, 3:4. 2.31 grams total, 8-9 mm
Ex gentleman collector of antique and antiquity games from Berkshire, UK, having collected for over 20 years. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 30 grams total, 14-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets.
