Loading, please wait...
LOT 0643
Roman Silver-Gilt Cicada Brooch
4TH-5TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (3.82 grams, 23 mm).
A silver-gilt brooch in form of cicada with hollow-formed D-section head and neck, flat triangular wings; the head with bulbous eyes above a waisted neck; granule detailing to the head; pin-lug and catch-wire to the reverse.
ProvenanceAcquire in the 1990s.
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Cf. Bona, I., Les Huns, Le Grand empire barbare d'Europe,IV-V siècles, Paris, 2002, figs.178-179, for similar examples.
FootnotesThis type of brooch was popular among the Hunnic tribes, as well as in Roman Pannonia and Illyricum before the arrival of the Huns. Early Hunnic designs from Pannonia may have borrowed from late Roman types. With the arrival of new populations due to migration from the east,
a new material culture developed, described as the Danubian or Ponto-Danubian style, as many of its features appear in the Pontic region as
well. Although the exact meaning of the cicada brooch is not known to us, it is possible that it retained its ancient symbolism of rebirth or regeneration of the soul.
TimeLine 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:
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.
-
Roman Gold Ring with Sardonyx Gemstone
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
A gold finger ring with D-section shank and steep facetted shoulders, inset sardonyx gemstone. 5.65 grams, 19.11 mm overall, 13.53 mm internal diameter
Private European collection, acquired 2000. -
Roman Military Horse Harness Phalera
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A bronze military horse harness phalera featuring an oval plaque decorated with openwork whorls and volutes, two integral rectangular attachment lugs, free-moving attachment arm with rivet. 63 grams, 12 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
.jpg)
Roman Gold Ring with Ewer Gemstone
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £728
A gold finger ring with inset carnelian intaglio of a ewer or wine-jar. 3.96 grams, 19.00 mm overall, 15.95 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
UK private collection, since 1956. Formed in the 1950s by Mr and Mrs S. Broukal, thence by decent. with Bonhams, London, New Bond Street, 30 November 2016, lot 155 [Part]. English private collection.
