Loading, please wait...
LOT 1105
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
1ST CENTURY B.C.-3RD CENTURY A.D.
1/2 - 7/8 in. (34.96 grams total, 13-22 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.
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, 3.4, 3.12-13, 3.18-19, 3.22, 3.25, 4.3-4.9.
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.
LOT 1105
Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
-
Roman Pale Green Glass Jug with Trail
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £550
With a rounded body and a cylindrical neck with a funnel-shaped mouth, a small uneven foot and a blue-trailed handle; the body decorated with vertical concave indents and trails of glass applied at the base of the neck and around the mouth. 53 grams, 10.5 cm
From a London collection, acquired in the 1970s. Roman glass from an important London collection, acquired from the early 1980s. Accompanied by a typed previous catalogue information page with provenance.
This jug has many common features with the distinctive group of Syro-Palestinian glasses, free- and mould-blown ones dated to the 4th-5th centuries A.D. Common features, beginning with the characteristic colour and quality of both green and turquoise glass, are the shape of the base and the handle, the indentations along the body, and the decorative coloured coil on the neck and under the rim. -
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, brown and cream detailing; some with an impression of timber laths to the reverse. 1.21 kg total, 7.2-14.7 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. -
.jpg)
Roman Silver Ring with Carnelian Gemstone of Mating Pigs
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £975
Comprising a keeled hoop with wide shoulders, set with a carnelian intaglio engraved with two copulating pigs with a third one shown on the sow's back. 9.44 grams, 24.60 mm overall, 19.12 x 13.03 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H 1/2, USA 4, Europe 6.81, Japan 6)
Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13532-263672.
The type belongs to variant 4, type 1, of the Roman iron rings in the Ruseva-Slokoska classification. Ellipsoid shield-bezels with conically cut gemstones are typical of the 2nd century A.D.
