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LOT 0856
Roman Terracotta Bottle
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
5 7/8 in. (150 grams, 14.8 cm).
Piriform body with tubular neck and everted rim. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a Cambridge, UK, gentleman, by direct descent from his father, who acquired the items in London in circa 1960.
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 Glass Artefact Collection
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Including aqua glass stopper with knop handle, plano-convex spindle whorl with iridescent surface and other items; probably used as counters in boardgames. 32 grams total, 9-27 mm
From the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by the original collector's data sheet(s) with reference nos.A70, A99, & A118. -
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 33.9 grams total, 12-21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' refers to a four-sided shape. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term ‘token’ is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman Aubergine Glass Trefoil-Lipped Jug
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Piriform body and a tubular neck with trefoil mouth, a strap handle ot the rear. 48.08 grams, 10 cm
Acquired from Shirley Warren Antique Glass, Surrey, UK, in 1992 with reference no.K51. From the collection of a Bedfordshire, UK, lady. Accompanied by an original Shirley Warren invoice no.2272 dated 21 November 1992 (£250.00).
