Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0124
Roman Silver Spoon Property of the God Faunus Cranus
4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/2 in. (32 grams, 91 mm).
Shallow oval bowl with a coiled handle and a duck or swan head facing outwards, Latin inscription 'DEIFAVNI CRANI', '(Property) of the god Faunus Cranus’.
Provenance
UK private collection, 1990s.
with Artemission, London, UK.
Private collection, London, UK.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Literature
Cf. The British Museum, 1981,0201.54 and 1981,0201.58; for inscription 1981,0201.74.
Footnotes
Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer writes: 'In RIB the inscription is categorized as 'religious dedication'; this must be rejected as we would expect the Dative case: deo Fauno ... - for the god Faunus ... But we read the genitive case: dei Fauni Crani: (property of) the God Faunus Cranus. This indicates that all these spoons were used (or intended to be used) during religious ceremonies (connected with meals) probably in a sanctuary of Faunus Cranus. The use of deus (= god) and the Celtic epitheton Cranus indicates a provincial cult with strong indigenous elements.'
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bronze Horse Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Standing on a rectangular base with its right front leg raised, small ears and slit mouth. 36.1 grams, 1 5/8 in.40 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Bone Figurine of a Lady
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Carved in the round female torso with incised transverse lines at the hips and knees; domed breasts and incuse navel; slots and suspension hole at the shoulders to accept posable arms; usage wear. 14.7 grams, 68 mm
Private collection, 1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Roman Inked Wooden Tablet Regarding the Marriage between Donatilla and Iulius Donatillus and the Gift of a Slave Girl
Late 318 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £11,050
Well preserved rectangular tablet inscribed in Roman cursive script on one side, the text documents legal acts in the context of a wedding: first a counter-promise concerning the dowry between the father of the bride together with the bride, Donatilla, on the one hand and the groom on the other; then a gift from the bride's mother to her daughter, a 6 year old young slave girl, the transfer taking the form of a mancipatio with Iulius Rogatianus as scale holder (libripens) and with the involvement of witnesses. 86 grams, 24.5 x 14.2 cm
Acquired by Albert Sfez in the early 1950s. Formerly the property of Monsieur Alain Sfez, a Belgian collector; acquired by gift from his father Albert Sfez, in 1965. Acquired by a London dealer in 1973. From an important London collection since 1975; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of a three page illustrated academic report by Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer. Accompanied by a collection of four old black and white photographs of the the tablet. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12600-230808. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
Professor Dr phil. Peter Rothenhöfer writes: 'Without any doubts this tablet is an original document from Roman times. This unique document not only reflects legal practice in the Roman Empire, but is also of great importance for Social History.'
