Loading, please wait...
LOT 0623
Roman Square-Shaped Bell
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (160 grams, 83 mm).
A bronze bell of quadrilateral form, with a rectangular cross-section at base, tapering to a rounded dome with large integral suspension loop with five facets to the outer face; clanger absent. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession numbers 98.11.34; 89.4.2429 and 89.4.1614, for similar.
FootnotesThe Romans used bells in ritual and secular contexts, when they could be suspended from the necks of animals, worn for talismanic protection or as anklets by servants.
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:
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 Triclinium Finial Set
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £200
A set of four copper-alloy triclinium (bed) finials, each with a bell-shaped body and baluster style finial; hollow to base. 1.18 kg total, 9.6-10.1 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
The Romans, like the Greeks, ate whilst reclined on beds. The eating bed (lectus triclinaris) was a luxury furniture item crafted by carpenters. From the 2nd century B.C., Romans started to create 'lecti aerati, inargentati, inaurati, eborati, testudinei,' i.e. beds made of wood and covered with bronze, silver, gold and ivory fittings (as in our specimens) or with scales of other precious material. Such elements were sometimes sculpted in the shape of an animal protome, or were simply bell-shaped, like our specimens. -
Roman Translucent Unguentarium
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A clear glass unguentarium with a pear-shaped body, tubular neck and rolled rim; iridescent surfaces. 35 grams, 13.5 cm high
French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. -
.jpg)
Roman Glass Vessel Group
1st-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A group of two glass vessels comprising: one blue glass toilet bottle with bulbous body, long cylindrical neck and rolled rim; a green glass vessel with squat, tapering body, ogival shoulders and trumpet-style neck and lip, pontil to base. 67 grams total, 5.1-15 cm
Fine condition.
Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s.
