Loading, please wait...
LOT 0956
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 3/4 in. (32 grams total, 15-20 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:
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 Terracotta Slipper Oil Lamp
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Piriform in plan with volute nozzle, band of impressed pellets to the shoulder. 40 grams, 79 mm
Acquired at a London antiques fair in the 1990s. From the private collection of a Devon, UK, lady.
Some lamps, with or without a central handle, with one or more nozzles, either opposed or contiguous, could be of Corinthian production, representing a fine example of remarkable quality and finesse. On the other hand, some examples can be considered a local/regional production in the Eastern Roman Empire. -
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Shepherd and Goat
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
With intaglio scene of a goat reaching up to nibble the bark of a tree, profile old man with a stick to the rear; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.54 grams, 11.82 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Gold Hoop Earring Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Matched pair of hoop earrings formed of a round-section bar with a loop closure. 1.04 grams total, 15.7-15.8 mm
Ex H. Norri collection, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, UK, collected in the 1980s-1990s.
