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LOT 1074
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (31.5 grams total, 13-21 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.
LiteratureCf. for similar bullae Rowan, C., Tokens and Social Life in Roman Imperial ItalyCambridge, 2023, figs.1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.10, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.18,
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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LOT 1074
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
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Roman Bronze Dolphin Statuette
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Modelled in the round as a stylised dolphin with incised lines to a fin, head resting on a triangular flat base. 17.3 grams, 37 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Roman and Other Terracotta Bulla Group
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £60 - 80 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Discoid, irregular, and other types with impressed animal, figure and a Sassanid seal with tamga motifs. 22 grams total, 14-30 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Fresco Wall Plaster Collection
1st century A.D.Estimate: £50 - 70 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface painted with mainly Pompeii red, pale blue and white detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 1.02 kg total, 8.6-12.7 cm
Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland. UK gallery, early 2000s.
These small fragments, by analogy 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.
