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LOT 0646
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamp with Bird
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
4 3/8 in. (72 grams, 11.1 cm).
Shallow body with volute nozzle, narrow shoulder and rounded border to the discus with low-relief profile bird and filler hole. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the private collection of Mr Brian Edwards, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formed from the late 1970s-early 1980s; thence by descent, with collector's reference no.A39.
LiteratureCf. similar in J. Paul Getty Museum under accession no. 83.AQ.377.96.
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 Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 31 grams total, 14-21 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The 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. -
Roman Gold Beetle Type Earrings
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Matched pair, each a hooked pin with a large hollow-formed domed panel and a smaller one above, dangle beneath with two iridescent glass beads. 4.48 grams total, 40 mm each
Private collection, USA and Switzerland, acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s; thence by descent.
The pair of gold earrings is in the form of a very broad "boat-shaped" crescent. The back was often filled in with a concave plate of gold, and a lenticular disc above masked the junction of the S-shaped wire hook with the body of the earring. They are typical of the 1st -2nd century A.D. -
Roman Silver Ring with Carnelian Gemstone with Inscription
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £351
Keeled hoop with expanding angular shoulders, set with a red carnelian intaglio bearing the inscription 'KAPTE / PIOV'; possibly a marriage. 9.99 grams, 30.43 mm overall, 17.55 x 12.88 mm internal diameter (approximate size British G 1/2, USA 3 1/2, Europe 5.55, Japan 5)
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
