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LOT 0852
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (32 grams total, 14-22 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' 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.
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 Fresco Wall Plaster Collection
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue, brown and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 953 grams total, 8.9-11.7 cm
Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.
These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seem to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. A red grenade fillet probably framed some panels. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colours over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle. -
Roman Enamelled Bronze Bow Brooch
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Dolphin-type T-shaped bow brooch with tapering crossbar, bow ornamented with segmentation to the obverse and enamel fill; trumpet-shaped lobe finial; catch and hinged pin to reverse. 6.17 grams, 36 mm
Found near North Ripon, Yorkshire, UK. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Lancashire, UK, collector. -
Roman Pale Green Glass Candlestick Unguentarium
Circa 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
With a bell-shaped body, a tall, pinched neck, and a flared and rolled rim to the mouth. 29.8 grams, 13.6 cm
From the collection of a late Norfolk, UK gentleman's collection, formed from the late 1960s-1970s.
