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LOT 0823
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 3/4 in. (31 grams total, 14-20 mm).
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. [20, No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
FootnotesThe 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' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. 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.
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 Bead Necklace String
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed of attractive yellow and gold-coloured feature beads, including beads with raised bosses, large tabular collared beads, and two large spherical beads at the centre; restrung. 18.2 grams, 40.5 cm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Miniature Glass Jar
4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £200 - 300 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
With broad shoulder and conical body, everted rim, two loop handles and applied undulating band to the shoulder. 51.34 grams, 47 mm wide
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
This jar is a Syro-Palestinian type. Similar jars were found in the graves of Beit Fajjar, Palestine, and usually dated at the 4th-5th centuries A.D. Their colour is usually yellow-green or light green, but purple is also used. -
Roman Bronze Artefact Group
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Comprising: a lion-headed nude male figure in running position; two hand pendants making the fica gesture; a wolf-head(?) shaped mount. 38.7 grams total, 25-45 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
The 'manus fico' (literally 'fig sign') is a gesture made with the hand, and fingers curled, with the thumb thrust between the middle and index fingers. In Roman culture, this was a sign of fertility or good luck and would have warded off the evil eye. Phallic amulets were popular items amongst the Roman army.
