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LOT 0870
Roman Silver Mouse Statuette
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (8.1 grams, 25 mm).
Modelled in the round, with disc (biscuit?) held in the forepaws.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. Christie's, London, A Peaceable Kingdom: The Leo Mildenberg Collection of Ancient Animals, 26th-27th October, 2004, p.184 and p.203, for similar.
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AUCTIONS:
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Late Roman Gold Amulet Case Pendant
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Octagonal-section tubular pendant with ribbed suspension loops. 2.95 grams, 34 mm
From the property of the late Mr SM, London, UK, 1969-1999. -
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Stone Corbel with Severed Head of a Gallo-Roman
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Statue or frieze fragment with male head modelled in the half-round; circular face with large almond-shaped eyes, heavy brow, thick tousled hair framing the face, drooping moustache and short beard; presented at an oblique angle to the lower face of the block; two mounting holes to the underside. 22.8 kg, 43 cm
Found in Norfolk, UK. Acquired from Michael Booth, 1998. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The angle of the face in respect of the block suggests that the head is both tilted and detached, i.e. that it is a tête coupé or severed head. The practice of headhunting is documented among the natives of both Gaul and Britain (and elsewhere) in the Iron Age. The head is then considered to have special powers to avert evil and promote fertility, cure disease and provide other benefits. This is the case with the carved head - a male mask with copious hair and beard - from the Roman baths at Bath, Somerset (the ancient Aquae Sulis) which was a site of worship long before the arrival of a Roman presence in the area (Ross, p.91). The head takes on the character of a deity and is believed to respond favourably to prayer. -
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Roman Bronze Medical Tool Collection
3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Including suture needle, bulbous probe, cosmetic or medical spoon, tweezers and other items, all mounted on a rigid board in a wooden frame. 501 grams, 32.4 x 26.4 cm
with Auktionshaus Owl, Bielefeld, Auction 37, 28 September 2013, no.37609. European private collection.
