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LOT 0107
Roman Silver Mouse Figure
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (7.74 grams, 27 mm).
Shown with semi-naturalistic detailing in a crouching posture, eating a nut held in its front paws.
Provenance‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
LiteratureCf. Christies, London, A Peaceable Kingdom: The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, 26th-27th October, 2004, p.184 and p.203, for similar.
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 Bird Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Complete with pin and catchplate (chipped) to reverse; the bird advancing left with head turned backwards, tail modelled in the round, feather detailing to the wing, annular eye. 12.3 grams, 46 mm
Ex John Hayward collection, exhibited at Ipswich museum. -
Large Roman Pale Green Glass Cinerary Urn
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
Of piriform shape with everted rim, gently chamfered upper lip and concave underside; lid with bevelled rim, gently dished upper face rising to a central dome and cylindrical handle with piecrust pleats; iridescent surfaces. 831 grams total, 29.5 cm high
Ex Sangiorgi collection, acquired in the 19th century. with Christie's, 3 June 1999, lot 121. The remains of a 19th/early 20th century label can be seen on the glass on one side. with Christie's, New York, 9 December 1999, lot 476. American private collection, Westchester, New York, acquired in 1999. with Bonhams, London, 30 September 2015, lot 91. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.203222.
A similar jar in the British Museum was found in Warwick Square, London, inside a lead canister, and was originally filled with bone ashes. The Romans often re-used glass jars, originally made for storing liquids and foodstuffs, as cremation vessels, but this kind of jar seems too fragile and was therefore probably purpose-made. The lead canister, which was found with the jar from London, protected the glass and bones. Georgio Sangiorgi is one of the most famous names associated with the field of ancient glass collecting. Working from the Galleria Sangiorgi in the Palazzo Borghese, Sangiorgi acquired the most magnificent collection of ancient glass, seeking only the finest examples. -
Late Roman Bronze Ring with Warrior
4th-6th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Rectangular bezel with advancing warrior holding a sword and shield. 2.62 grams, 22.50 mm overall, 18.24 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.
