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LOT 1027
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 7/8 in. (37 grams total, 15-22 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Eastern Roman Gold Earring with Granulation
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a crescentic hollow-form body with applied filigree and pyramidal granule clusters, finials formed as coiled cones. 1.53 grams, 15.45 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Decorated Silver P-Shaped Bow Brooch
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Comprising an elliptical-section bow with D-shaped chord decorated with herringbone pattern, spring extending to the pin; tapering foot with catch to the reverse; top of catch extended to a wire coiled about the lower bow 7.68 grams, 55 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp
Circa 3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Squat bulbous body with broad pelletted shoulder, stub nozzle and lug handle with lateral depressions. 101 grams, 91 mm
Probably by descent from the vendor's father-in-law circa 2006. From the private collection of a Devon, UK, lady.
The lamp belongs to the Eastern variant of Loeschcke VIII type. Most of these lamps were made in Ephesus, where several wasters of Loeschcke type VIII lamps have been excavated. Comparative neutron activation analyses of clays have proved the manufacture of Ephesus lamps at Sardis as well as at Ephesus, and we may conjecture the existence of other production centres, for example, Pergamon, where an excavated kiln has yielded a mould and a lamp of Late Asia Minor type.
